A charity has welcomed a new leadership partnership as it sets its sights on the future.

Phil Whiteley and Hannah Kitching have taken over as CEO and Deputy CEO respectively at the South Lakeland branch of Age UK.

This comes after the former CEO and Deputy CEO both retired after working 'tirelessly' for the charity for a number of years.

Mr Whiteley said: "I am really proud to become the new CEO.

"The former leadership team have left the charity in a strong position and our focus is to continue building on this."

He explained that, as ever, the organisation would provide important care and attention for older people living in the area.

"We want to do this by working in close partnership with our statutory partners, health colleagues and other local charities," he added.

"To do this we will continue to try and raise the vital funds that we need through our network of charity shops in the area - every penny spent in our shops goes directly to supporting the older people of South Lakeland.”

Mr Whiteley and Ms Kitching were previously part of the senior management team at the charity and are both said to be looking forward to fulfilling their new positions at the helm of the group.

Ms Kitching said: "Our aim is to ensure the charity is agile and innovative to remain best placed to meet the evolving needs of older people.

"With over 64’s accounting for 25.8% of the population in Westmorland and Furness, the need to support older people is great and will continue to grow over the coming years.”

Age UK South Lakeland is an independent charity which has been operating locally since 1978.

Their services cover the whole of South Lakeland, with a team of over 50 staff and over 200 volunteers working to maintain the care they provide.

The new CEO and Deputy CEO are looking for new trustees to join their currentboard of trustees.

Anyone interested can contact the charity at admin@ageuksouthlakeland.org.uk or on 01539 728118.