Bury Hospice has announced the appointment of its incoming chief executive.

Stuart Richardson will take up the top role in December, as outgoing CEO Helen Lockwood steps down after three years of "transformational change".

He joins the Rochdale Old Road hospice, having held a number of senior roles in the NHS including in the Bury area.

Stuart began his career as a nurse and is an experienced chief executive officer, with system leadership across health, community, social care and the voluntary sector.

With more than 30 years of working in the wider health and voluntary sector, Stuart brings insight and experience that will allow him to continue to develop the hospice and its services even further so we continue to meet the needs of the communities of Bury, Whitefield, Prestwich, Radcliffe, Ramsbottom and Tottington.

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Stuart, who is returning to Bury to take up the role, said: “Bury Hospice is a trusted, loved and integral part of our community, and I feel privileged and honoured to join the hospice team and return to working in Bury.

"As the new chief executive, I am excited to build upon the hospice's incredible reputation and its current success, ensuring that it remains a sustainable organisation that continues to serve the people of Bury for generations to come.”

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Chair of trustees at the hospice, Chris Claydon-Butler, added: “The board of trustees is extremely pleased to be welcoming Stuart.

"In the past three years Helen has led the hospice through a transformational journey that has seen the hospice go from strength to strength and her contribution cannot be underestimated both to the hospice and the wider system.

"Stuart is joining us at a time of growth for the hospice and we are confident he will continue to champion and lead our ambition to be the leaders in palliative and end of life care in Bury.”

Stuart will also take over from Helen as the joint senior responsible officer for palliative and end of life care for Bury with Sarah Ingleby, director of quality and safety at diagnostics and pharmacy for the Northern Care Alliance.