The Beacon Fellowship has named former broadcast journalist and Youthnet UK founder Martyn Lewis as its new chairman.

Lewis, who enjoyed a 32-year career as a journalist for ITN and the BBC, said he was delighted to take up the position. “I look forward to helping a marvellous team develop new ways of driving both the spirit and benefits of giving deep into the communities of Britain," he said.

The charity, which runs the annual Beacon prize rewarding the nation’s top philanthropists, also appointed Alan Hodson as its Deputy Chairman. Hodson is senior advisor to the UBS group, is on the appeal board of Great Ormond Street Hospital and is a Trustee of the Roundhouse Trust.