Cumbria Community Foundation has welcomed two new trustees to its board.

Kevin Walsh and John Wilson have joined the organisation, based at Dovenby Hall, near Cockermouth.

Mr Wilson is an experienced corporate and commercial lawyer and business adviser.

He is the former managing partner and founder of Baines Wilson LLP, a specialist commercial law firm based in Cumbria and Lancashire.

He set the firm up in 1999 and remains involved with Baines Wilson as a senior consultant.

He is also a non-executive director of Penrith Farmers’ and Kidds plc and was founder and former chairman of environmental charity West Cumbria Rivers Trust.

He is also involved in various other charitable and sporting bodies.

Mr Wilson said: "Cumbria Community Foundation is a superb organisation and I’m proud to say that I, and Baines Wilson, have been involved since its formation.

"Coincidentally, my own business was founded at the same time meaning both foundation and Baines Wilson celebrate their 20th anniversaries next year.

"Now having some more time available, I was honoured to accept the opportunity to help the charity as a trustee with its extremely important work and I will do my best to make a significant contribution."

Mr Walsh has been involved has been involved in traffic and transport in the county for many years, starting at Barrow-in-Furness Borough Council before moving to Cumbria County Council.

An active Rotarian for over 25 years, he was district governor for Cumbria and Lancashire in 2013/14.

He is also a trustee of Age UK Carlisle and Eden, Chairman of the Carlisle Dementia Action Alliance and a member of the foundation’s grants panel.

Mr Walsh said: “Having received a number of grants for Rotary led projects over the years, seen first-hand the impact that the Cumbria Flood Fund had on those in desperate need, and being acutely aware that communities are increasingly having to fend for themselves, I am delighted to have been asked to become more involved with the community foundation.”

Andy Beeforth, Cumbria Community Foundation’s chief executive officer, Any Beeforth, said: “We are delighted to welcome Kevin and John to the board and look forward to seeing how their knowledge and expertise will contribute to the success of the foundation.”