HAMPSHIRE Association for the Care of the Blind has recently appointed Chris Hedges, pictured right, as its new chief executive officer.

His career has spanned many years in senior management and consultancy positions in the statutory and not for profit sectors.

His wide experience of the not for profit sector, working with social exclusion issues in housing and employment and with several disability groups will assist HACB in its development and growth as a major provider of support and services for visually impaired people in Hampshire.

Chris also has many years' experience as a trustee and director of several charities.

The challenge of leading HACB through the next phase of its development is a major attraction of this new post and is very much a "coming home" as Chris was born and raised in Hampshire.

"Hampshire Association for the Care of the Blind has a wonderful and rich history and has an incredible and supportive group of more than 4,000 members organised into 22 branches across the county offering active support for visually impaired people where it is needed most, in their home community," he said.

"To support our branch activities we have a dedicated team of co-ordinators to help develop the skills and input of the many hundreds of volunteers who regularly come forward to offer their time and skills to help our members.

"On a personal level, returning to Hampshire to take up this appointment presents an incredible challenge and an opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of the people we serve."