A HAMPSHIRE charity has appointed a new chairman.

David Holmes has taken over the role at Naomi House and jacksplace hospices from Prof Khalid Aziz, after the latter stepped down at its AGM on Tuesday night.

Mr Holmes is also chief executive of Family Action, a charity that works with 45,000 underprivileged families and children nationally.

He will retain this post while working on a voluntary basis for Naomi House as chair of the board of trustees.

On his appointment, Mr Holmes said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as chair of Naomi House. I have worked in children’s services in both health and social care for many years and have huge respect and admiration for the work of this wonderful charity.

“It will be an honour to help guide Naomi House through the next phase of its tremendous story. The charity provides vital services for children, young people, young adults and their families across central southern England and my mission is to ensure that we support even more people with even better services in the years ahead.”

Prof Aziz had led the charity for more than 15 years, and has now been made life president. He was honoured with a garden party at the hospice in Sutton Scotney, near Winchester.

The former television presenter was involved from the initial fundraising appeal to build Naomi House and more recently oversaw construction of jacksplace – the new hospice dedicated to the care of teenagers and young adults.