An experienced charity CEO has taken over the reins as chair of the board of trustees at medical charity, Cobalt.

Neil Holbrook has been a trustee of Cobalt for two years and is CEO of Cotswold Archaeology, a large Gloucestershire charity. He takes over from Dr Peter Warry.

Dr Warry was chair for six years and steered the charity through a long period of growth, with Cobalt seeing more patients, carrying out more research and continuing to support local oncology and dementia services. Mr Holbrook has been a trustee of Cobalt for the last two years.

Peter Sharpe, Cobalt's chief executive, said: "We are sorry to lose Dr Warry as the chair of the board of trustees. He has contributed significantly to the development of Cobalt, including many new ventures. These include a new research Imaging Centre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham and the launch of lung cancer screening in Manchester last year.

"We are delighted to welcome Neil Holbrook as the new chair. He has significant experience in running a charity and this will enhance the expertise of the current board of trustees."

Neil Holbrook said: "I've been an archaeologist all my life. One of the reasons I was keen to get involved with Cobalt was I have lived in Cheltenham for 30 years and I've known of the charity, the brand and seen the fundraising activity. I've always thought it's a good local charity. I joined because I had a lot of local pride and to share my skills and expertise with them. It's a very innovative charity and great fun to be associated with."

In his spare time, the new chair of the board of trustees can be found outdoors visiting heritage sites. He is also a lifetime member of Gloucestershire Cricket Club and a Gloucester Rugby fan.