SECRET World Wildlife Recue centre is welcoming a new chief executive later this month.

David Foulds is taking on the leadership role at the south west’s leading wildlife rescue charity in East Huntspill.

Mr Foulds has previously worked with Guide Dogs for the Blind, Hearing dogs for Deaf People, and a regional dog rescue charity, and is now ready for the challenges ahead to give the best possible care for the region’s injured and orphaned wildlife.

He said: “I feel proud to have been entrusted with the next phase of development of this charity.

“Secret World is doing a fantastic job and there is such an obvious need for the charity to survive and succeed, which won’t happen without hard work.

“We will continue to depend on the ongoing efforts of our wonderful volunteers and supporters, and we will be making some exciting changes to reach even more people and inspire them to care for wildlife.”

Passionate about animal welfare, Mr Fould is already embracing the new world of wildlife rescue and is keen to discover more about the challenges for wildlife in the south west.

He said: “Different regions have different priorities in terms of wildlife, but wherever animals are involved, they must be treated with the right care and attention.”

Originally from Derby, Mr Foulds has been living on the edge of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales for the past 12 years, before moving down to Weston-super-Mare with his wife Sandra last month.

“We’re looking forward to exploring all that Somerset has to offer, getting to know this beautiful county and building our lives here.”

One area Mr Foulds is keen to expand is the opportunity for the people of Somerset to come and experience Secret Word for themselves.

He added: “Recently we’ve been open to visitors on just a few special weekends a year, but we have plans to offer many more opportunities for people to visit us, experience British wildlife and understand our relationship with the various species we care for.

“We will be opening our visitor centre daily throughout this summer from late July, so do keep an eye on our website and Facebook page for more exciting news on that coming soon!”