A CHARITY that supports young people across the county has appointed a new CEO.

Youth Options, based in Romsey, will now be led by Madeleine Durie following the retirement of Mark Dixon OBE.

Ms Durie has taken over at Youth Options at a critical time when young people have been particularly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

"I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to lead the next stage of the work at Youth Options," said Ms Durie.

"The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the impact of living through a pandemic for young people, and our work is needed now more than ever to help build young people's emotional well-being and help them to re-engage in learning and society as a whole.

"I will be working with a great team to develop an exciting new strategy and hope to build and grow our supporters to help us achieve this goal. Our belief is that every young person can reach their potential and make a valuable contribution to society with the right support and engagement. Our youth workers are there to make that a reality."

The charity has been working with disadvantaged young people in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight for over 80 years and has ambitious plans to grow and reach more young people.

Caroline Horrill, Youth Options Chair of Trustees and leader of the Conservative group on Winchester City Council, said: "Following a competitive recruitment process, the Board of Trustees were very pleased to appoint Madeleine to this role.

"I'd like to congratulate her on her appointment and we are looking forward to working with her, and her team, to make a real difference to young people's lives in the region."