AGE Concern Crediton has welcomed Jo Rice as the new Chief Executive Officer and Operations Manager.

Jo has many years’ experience working in the voluntary sector, especially working with older people and advice services, having trained as a Citizens Advice adviser and then an Age UK adviser before running her own business for 10 years.

She then trained as a Dementia Adviser then went on to manage Dementia Support Services across Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Milton Keynes for the Alzheimer's Society and Adult Carer Services in North London, most recently managing the largest Macmillan Cancer Advice Service in the UK for Citizens Advice Hampshire.

Devon "born and bred", Jo lives in South Devon and her mother's maiden name was Creedy! so believes she has roots this way somewhere back in time!

Her experience also includes working with Armed Forces Veterans at the Royal British Legion and SSAFA head offices in London, in Grants and Welfare services.

In her spare time, she is Chairperson of a small community composting scheme and helps run an informal social network group for Organic food businesses in Devon. She is passionate about the environment, gardening, and community development.

Jo is keen to get started in her new role.

She said: “I can't wait to make a difference for older people in Crediton and the surrounding areas.

"It is such a beautiful area and I am thrilled to be back working in Devon.”

Jenny Berg, Age Concern Crediton, chairman, said: "The trustees at Age Concern Crediton are delighted to welcome Jo as our CEO and Operations Manager.

"We look forward to working with her for the benefit of Age Concern Crediton clients and those from the community."

Jo will work from offices at the Age Concern Crediton office at The Lady Mills Centre in Deep Lane, Crediton.

You can contact Age Concern Crediton on 01363 775008.

• There will be a Concert held at Crediton Parish Church in aid of Age Concern Crediton on October 7.

It will feature Crediton Town Band and the Ad Hoc Singers.

The concert will begin at 7.30pm, with doors open at 6.45pm.