A NEW chairman has been appointed for award-winning Exmoor Young Voices (EYV), the charity which advocates on issues affecting young people’s ability to live in the national park.

Will Lock, who has been chairman since its beginning in 2012, is stepping down and being succeeded by Luccombe parish councillor Robyn Gummer, who has served on the committee since its foundation.

Mr Lock will continue as chairman of EYV’s trustees, ensuring his experience and commitment remain at the heart of the charity as it continues to thrive.

The charity was last year awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) in recognition of its outstanding work for the local community.

Mr Lock said: “The time has come for me to retire as chair of EYV and take a step back to allow EYV to benefit from a younger chair who has a greater understanding of the problems faced by Exmoor’s young people.

“The aim is for me to take more of an advisory role to assist the new chair and to continue as chair of trustees.

“We are lucky to have a younger, fresh face with a wealth of local knowledge and experience.

“I am sure that in passing the baton to Robyn she will continue to build EYV, make the most excellent chair, and help EYV go from strength to strength.

“It has been a huge honour to have chaired EYV for so many years.

“The growth of the organisation has been phenomenal, and the work it has done over the years to support people has been amazing.

“It has been humbling to be a part of it.

“For the group to have won the KAVC has to be a highlight, showing that the team’s efforts are appreciated at the highest level.

“I want to thank all the people who have supported me over the years.

“I could not have done this job or seen the organisation grow into what it is today, without the dedication of our senior advisers, partners, supporters, trustees, co-ordinators, and, most importantly, our members and young people who have trusted us to give Exmoor’s youth a voice.”

EYV co-founder and adviser Leslie Silverlock said: “We are delighted that Will is continuing as chair of trustees.

“His knowledge of Exmoor, its people, family and young people’s circumstances, the construction trades, environment and regulations, built over the last 15 years is outstanding.

“His continuing role is vital to the national park, councils, housing associations and charities, public authorities, parishes, and especially Exmoor's future generations, who struggle to continue living, working, and sustaining Exmoor.”

Ms Gummer, a mother of two young daughters who attended her first EYV meeting with baby in tow, said: “I am grateful and so excited to be trusted with this opportunity.

“We have such a strong foundation at EYV, and I am looking forward to seeing what new ideas, projects, and directions we can move towards together.”

Ms Gummer is currently involved in a project to create a new children’s play park in Luccombe and is also company secretary of DLR Projects Ltd.