A children's charity has announced the appointment of a new chief executive.

Ali Stathers-Tracey will take up the role later this month at Child Action Northwest (CANW) as it says goodbye to current CEO, Sue Cotton, who is retiring.

Ms Cotton has led the development of the charity, expanding its geographical reach across the north west, overcoming funding limitations and helping more than 17,000 people in the past year alone.

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Ms Cotton said: "As I approach my twelfth year as CEO, I believe now is the right time for the right successor to embrace the role and take CANW forward on its journey of making change and delivering excellence.

"It has been a really difficult decision for me to decide and I have enjoyed every minute and think we are an amazing Charity with incredibly talented staff, carers and supporters that make a huge difference to the lives of the children, families and adults we support."

Incoming CEO Ms Stathers-Tracey has previously worked as a director for children and community services for almost 30 years.

She said: "I am really excited to be joining CANW at a time when children, young people and vulnerable adults are facing the most difficult time in terms of meeting the cost of living, dealing with post-Covid household and family pressures and significant changes in local services due to Central Government spending cuts.

"It has never been more important that CANW has the right people who can respond to changing needs and meet the changing challenges in terms of future funding models."