A RIVERS trust has announced it is appointing a new director and hopes to expand its operations.

Paul Jose, who has worked with water-related environmental projects for 25 years, will take the Wessex Chalk Stream and Rivers Trust post in October.

He succeeds outgoing director Tom Davis, who is standing down after working with the trust since its inception four years ago.

Dr Jose will focus on successfully delivering the trust’s existing workload as well as its future development.

Dr Jose said: “I am looking forward to working with our partners and team to build on the firm foundations put in place by Tom.”