MEET the new face on the trustee board at the Dean Heritage Centre.

Ruspidge resident, Helen Barker (aka Helly) has been appointed as a new member and is set to bring her fundraising know-how to the table.

Both Helly and her husband, Sid, moved to the area last year and have volunteered regularly at the centre. Helly has been working as a front of house assistant and Sid is one of a handful of volunteers who act as Gruffalo costumed character.

Helly has built-up valuable experience in fundraising while working with Cowley Road Carnival in Oxford. She hopes to continue the centre's successful acquisition of external grants and sponsorship. Any funds acquired will be put towards a variety of projects including the second and third phase of the recent waterwheel project as well as other projects planned for the future.

"I'm honoured to join the board [of trustees] at the Dean Heritage Centre and I'm looking forward to being involved with the vanguard of new ideas at the home of our unique history and heritage in the Forest. I am particularly keen to develop our corporate sponsorship opportunities and would love to hear from sympathetic businesses or individuals who would like to discuss future partnerships," said Helly.

Centre manager, Nathalie Hall said: "Trustees are essential to the well-being and effectiveness of the Dean Heritage Centre and it is essential that any new trustee meets the skills and experiences required by the DHC. I am delighted to welcome Helly to the board as she will bring an abundance of new ideas and add great value thanks to her previous sponsorship and fundraising experience.

"Finding and keeping trustees is a vital task for all voluntary and charity organisations and the centre is lucky to now have six trustees who are all dedicated to protecting, preserving and promoting the unique history and heritage of the Forest of Dean."