WINCHESTER Bereavement Support appointed a new chairman at their May annual general meeting.

Chelsea Duke, 37, from Winchester, took over the voluntary position from previous chair David Bailey, who has served for the past three years.

Chelsea, a funeral director with local firm Richard Steel & Partners, said: “I’m very excited about working with the many dedicated volunteers who keep this extremely valuable charity running and help dozens of bereaved people in the Winchester area every year.

“I look forward to helping to continue the excellent work already done and also finding ways to reach out and help even more people.”

She joins Richard Steel, who has been treasurer of the charity for many years.

Founded in 1982, Winchester Bereavement Support provides support and assistance to bereaved adults in Winchester and the surrounding districts through Bereavement Visitors who are trained to listen and help people to learn to live with their loss.

For further information see www.winchesterbereavementsupport.org.uk or ring 01962 863626.