A Winchester charity for the elderly has appointed a new chief executive.

Carole Sawyers has been appointed to the top post at Brendoncare, the Winchester-based care charity for older people.

She will join the organisation in June from The Fremantle Trust, where she has been chief executive since 2002.

Ms Sawyers said: “I am passionate about the care of older people and I am really looking forward to joining Brendoncare and building on the organisation’s vision of seeking alternative service models for care.”

The current chief executive, Ron Staker is retiring. He has been in post since 1992.

Brendoncare celebrates its 30th anniversary this year and today operates ten care centres and 70 friendship clubs.