A leading family charity has announced a veteran of the not-for-profit industry is stepping up as its new chief executive.

Allan Myatt, from Diss, had spent eight years working as director of operations for Ormiston Families before accepting the role as CEO.

With more than three decades in the charity sector, the organisation said this was the next step for him.

Mr Myatt added: 'I have always been interested in helping people and young people in particular.

'What is great about Ormiston Families is that we are able to work with children from birth, often with their parents too, so intervening at a much earlier age to support them and the challenges they face is much more effective.

'Furthermore, as a regional charity for the East of England, we can retain the sense of being local and our culture is focused and stronger as a result.'

Originally a BP shipping radio and radar officer, Mr Myatt soon turned to working with under privileged children through outdoor education programmes.

He worked his way up the ladder at the Drake Fellowship helping 16 to 25-year-olds and became the charity's regional director.

Following this he spent 17 years as operations director with Fairbridge, a national chairty helping disengaged young people not in education, employment or training before joining Ormiston Families.

'There are some exciting developments to come and I look forward to leading the way,' said Mr Myatt.

Also in recent months, the charity has appointed Derrick Louis as the commercial director of the enterprise progamme.

He said: 'Ormiston Families ticked all of the boxes for me. One, it is a great charity that helps vulnerable people and two, I am able to work on the commercial side of the charity.

'I have a vision for the future of Ormiston Families' Enterprise arm, one that will increase profits and subsequently help fund all of the vital programmes which run in the East of England.'

In his new role as chief executive, Mr Myatt said he was 'thrilled' to welcome Mr Louis to the charity.