The chief executive officer at the Open Youth Trust in Norwich has left to take on a new role in London.

Sarah Mintey, who spent three years with the trust, has accepted a new role as the director of strategy for Raising IT – a London-based company which specialises in the use of social media to raise funds for charities.

Russell Dacre, Open's chairman of trustees, said: 'We would like to thank Sarah for three years' hard work and determination which has assisted Open to become a local charity providing services for young people, and a social enterprise which generates income through the provision of conferences and events, secure storage and live entertainment.

'Sarah has developed Open at a local and national level through working in partnership with many key stakeholders.

'Pending a further staffing announcement day-to-day management of the Open Youth Trust has passed to Rosalie Collins, chief operating officer.

'We wish Sarah the very best success with her future endeavours.'

The Open Youth Trust was founded in 2004 and received charitable status the following year.

It is based at the Open venue in Bank Plain, which has undergone a £12m refurbishment and now has facilities including a dance studio, climbing wall, media lab, recording studio and a drop-in space for under-18s on afternoons and Saturdays.

The building has been shortlisted for the Best Community Build Award in the world. The trust also manages the SOS Bus Project.

Ms Mintey was unavailable for comment yesterday, but she said on Twitter: 'I am really excited about the opportunity. I am pleased to report that I am leaving Open in the safe hands of @RosalieCollins @RickLennox @Ben_Burt ..... #topteam.'

david.bale2@archant.co.uk