Gloucestershire-based charity Severn Wye Energy Agency has appointed a new CEO to help vulnerable communities tackle the energy crisis.

Passionate charity worker and Green Party supporter Sandy Hore-Ruthven joins the sustainability charity after 15 years as CEO of Creative Youth Network. Under his leadership it grew from four staff to 150 and now works with almost 10,000 young people each year.

His new role at Severn Wye will see him lead its work across Wales and its border counties, providing programmes to help householders, communities and organisations overcome climate change issues.

Based out of offices in Highnam Business Centre in Gloucestershire and Powys in Wales, the charity's aim is to develop low carbon businesses, warm homes and resilient communities.

Mr Hore-Ruthven said: "Severn Wye is at the forefront of supporting the most vulnerable communities to tackle the biggest challenges we face at the moment - the rise in energy bills and the climate crisis. It has a real and tangible impact on individuals, communities and the future of our planet showing how we can create a greener and fairer future.

"I am excited to be starting as CEO of Severn Wye at this crucial time and work with the dedicated, passionate and expert teams to grow the impact we have and give individuals, communities and our planet a future to look forward to."

Creative Youth Network, is the largest charity provider of youth services in the South West and as well as growing its work Mr Hore-Ruthven also spent five years taking it to Net Zero.

The environmental science graduate is also a founder member of the Bristol Mayor's One City board and initiated its plans to reach Net Zero by 2030.

In 2021 he stood as the Green Party's candidate for Bristol Mayor.

He was chosen for the role at Severn Wye due to his experience working with the most disadvantaged communities, his passion for tackling the environmental challenges and a track record of partnering with a broad range of local authorities and organisations.

Heather Watts, chair of trustees at Severn Wye Energy Agency, said: "We are thrilled to have appointed someone of Sandy's calibre and creativity as our new CEO.

"Sandy's unique experience of both the charity sector and sustainability issues makes him the ideal candidate to develop the charity across its many areas of work. We are eager to see Sandy's entrepreneurial approach take Severn Wye from strength to strength."

His appointment comes after former CEO of Severn Wye Dr Simone Lowthe-Thomas, stepped down in January after four years at the helm.

During that time the charity team doubled in size and established dozens of innovative new programmes and expanded the reach of existing ones, representing nearly £14m of investment in sustainable development.

She left to take up a role as director of nature recovery and climate change at Brecon Beacons National Park Authority.