A local businessman has been appointed new vice chair at Pied Piper Appeal.

Ben Caton takes over with immediate effect now that the current vice chair Julie Kent MBE has stepped down.

Ben has been a trustee of the Gloucestershire children's charity for a year but actively involved in supporting fundraising campaigns over many years.

His wide-ranging experience includes a successful career as the founder of local success story the Titan Performance Gym and as managing director of South West-based manufacturer Ergochair.

The charity says Ben's extensive reach in the county and entrepreneurial skills will stand it in good stead as it moves forward in its purpose of growing funds and support for sick and disabled children.

A father of two, Ben also supported student wellbeing across the county as a co-founder of the app Wellmi. He serves as a corporate Freeman for the Furniture Makers Guild and Livery Company, championing British manufacturing and a healthy UK workforce.

Nick Broady, chair of Pied Piper, said: "We are pleased to announce Ben's appointment as the new vice chair. It's good practice and healthy to bring in new faces and experience into the team to ensure a progressive, stable future in years to come."

Nick added: "Julie is still fundraising for Emily's Gift for a blood cancer machine, plus she is warden at the Honourable Company of Gloucestershire and next year the High Sheriff, so now is the perfect time to hand over to Ben.

"I would like to thank Julie for her unstinting service to Pied Piper over the last 10 years in which, as vice chair, she helped me steer the charity after lockdown to its current healthy state. Julie remains as a trustee."

During her 10 years of service, Julie raised awareness and reach across social media, produced a weekly newsletter to keep supporters in the know, chaired the promo team and encouraged the board to open two charity shops.

Julie said: "Ben will do a fantastic job leading Pied Piper in the next 10 years and we are excited to see some new events being launched later in the year. It has been my pleasure to work with Nick and all the trustees on promoting what we do and will be handing the social media over to Izzy Weatherall from Support Small UK in August. Change is good!"

Ben commented: "Big shoes to fill! But Pied Piper has had a great first half in 2024 with its events including the Classic Car Show, which delivered record crowds and funds.

"We are looking to build stronger relationships with Gloucestershire businesses and grow our partnerships across the county. We have some exciting new ideas and campaigns to launch in the Autumn that will have appeal across all ages and bring further growth and reach for the appeal. I look forward to working with the hardworking team and our amazing volunteers."