A hospice in Ulverston has named its new chief executive.

St Mary's Hospice has appointed Catherine Burn to the role, succeeding Val Stangoe who is retiring after 11 years.

Ms Burn will take on her new role in October, joining from Carlisle Mencap, a social care provider, where she has been the chief executive officer since 2021.

She said: "It wasn't until I joined the voluntary and community sector in 2008, becoming a volunteer for a local charity, that I found a real sense of purpose and belonging from which I have never looked back.

“I have always immersed myself in my local community as an active volunteer and over the years I have been part of a diverse range of organisations supporting a wide range of causes including community centres, food banks, grant-giving trusts, school and college governance.

“Apart from my children, Jacob and Isabelle, one of my proudest achievements was being awarded the British Empire Medal by Her Majesty the Queen in 2020 for services to the community during the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Originally from Nottinghamshire, Ms Burn moved to Cumbria to take up the role at Carlisle Mencap.

Professor Andrew Wren, chair of Trustees at St Mary’s, said: "We are delighted to have attracted someone of Catherine's calibre to St Mary’s.

"She brings a passion for social justice and twenty-nine years of management and leadership experience, gained across a variety of sectors and communities."

Ms Burn has already begun working with Ms Stangoe and the senior management team to ensure a smooth transition.

She said: “I want to thank Val for her warm welcome, and for leaving St Mary’s in such good shape.

“I am honoured that I have been chosen to serve the Ulverston, Furness and South Lakes communities and I look forward to what the future holds.”