THE chairman of Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust has been appointed as the chairman for the National Churches Trust.

Luke March succeeds Michael Hoare, who had served in the role since 2003.

Mr March said: "I am honoured to have been elected by the trustees of the National Churches Trust as its new chairman.

"I would like to pay tribute to Michael Hoare for the tremendous work and dedication he has given to the trust over the last decade. During that time he has helped transform it into a modern outward-facing charity and he leaves a strong legacy.

“Our nation's places of worship form a vital part of communities up and down the country and are central to our heritage.

"I look forward to working with fellow trustees, our Chief Executive Claire Walker and the rest of the Trust staff in taking forward the organisation in the next stage of its development and helping even more churches, chapels and meeting houses to sustain their buildings for the future.”

The National Churches Trust is the leading national independent charity concerned with the protection and welfare of churches, chapels and meeting houses in the UK.