A NEW chief executive has been appointed to run heritage services in the south west.

Sam Astill has been appointed to lead the South West Heritage Trust (SWHT) in the new year.

The trust runs heritage services in Somerset and Devon including museums, archives and the historic environment, with sites including the Museum of Somerset, Somerset Rural Life Museum and the recently-opened Avalon Archaeology.

It also cares for archive collections at its heritage centres in Taunton, Exeter and Barnstaple, as well as providing advice about the historic environment and is responsible for more than 400 acres of historic landscapes.

It works in close partnership with Somerset Council and Devon County Council, its principal funders, as well as with organisations including Arts Council England and Somerset Archaeological & Natural History Society.

Sam, presently head of museums at the trust, takes over from Tom Mayberry MBE, who has led the organisation since its creation in 2014.

Tom is retiring having spent 43 years working in South West heritage.

Mike Motum, chair of the trustees, said: “Our thanks must first go to Tom for his exceptional leadership and management since the trust was established.

“He is enormously respected, and his knowledge of local heritage is unsurpassed. There are many challenges and opportunities ahead and we look forward to working with Sam and the whole team to ensure that the trust remains resilient and relevant.”

Sam Astill will take up his new role in the new year

Tom said: “It has been a great privilege to establish and lead the Trust over the last 10 years.

“We’ve delivered some tremendous projects and I have been fortunate to work with some wonderful colleagues.

“I know that Sam will continue to take the trust forward and to make our remarkable heritage accessible to many more people.”

Sam added: “The trust is already a leading heritage organisation in the region working with many local and national partners.

“Developing our work with communities can improve life chances, build prosperity and create a better future for people in the south west.

“I look forward to developing an organisation that plays a vital role in the daily lives of people and communities.”