An 800-year-old charity has appointed a woman to chair its board for the first time.

Chester Bluecoat Charity trustee for the last four years Laura Fearnall has been appointed to the role at the charity, which is the city’s oldest charitable organisation and works to tackle poverty.

Fearnall has more than two decades experience as a senior PR and communications executive and replaces Neil Davies, whose ten year tenure as a trustee has ended. He had been chair for the last three years.

“The Chester Bluecoat Charity aims to work with more partners, charities and voluntary organisations in 2024 under Laura’s leadership, and increase its scope of objectives through a collaborative project that will empower more people throughout the city,” said the charity.

It added: “We would like to thank Neil for his tireless commitment to the charity. He provided strong leadership and strategic direction during a challenging time due to the pandemic and the demonstrable impact this has had on people’s lives.”

---