A NEW chief executive has been welcomed to one of the South West's leading charities.

David Foulds is taking on the leadership role at Secret World Wildlife Rescue in East Huntspill, near Highbridge.

He will be helping with the challenges ahead to give the best possible care for the region’s injured and orphaned wildlife, as well urging more people to visit the centre.

David has been living in the Yorkshire Dales for the past 12 years, before moving down to Weston-super-Mare with his wife Sandra last month.

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

"Different regions have different priorities in terms of wildlife.

"But wherever animals are involved, whether in farming, conservation, wildlife or pets, animals must be treated with the right care and attention according to their species and to the individual, and we must also face some of the difficult decisions that have to be made."

Secret World’s new CEO is passionate about animal welfare, having worked with Guide Dogs for the Blind, Hearing dogs for Deaf People, and a regional dog rescue charity.

David added: "Pauline Kidner has made a fantastic investment of her time, skills and emotions over the past 25 years.

"There really have been blood, sweat and tears.

"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."

One area David is keen to expand is the opportunity for people to come and experience Secret Word for themselves.

"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," he said.

"We will be opening our visitor centre daily throughout this summer from late July.

"Do keep an eye on our website and facebook page for more exciting news on that coming soon."