THE Dean Heritage Centre will be headed by a man for the first time in 10 years.

Mark Clancy currently resides in Birmingham but is looking to fulfil his passion for country life by moving to the Forest area with his family soon.

He replaces Nathalie Hall, who in the last four years has taken the centre forward and continued to make the centre a sustainable and viable business. She now plans to emigrate to Australia.

Mr Clancy has over 15 years arts and heritage experience and joins the team with a wealth of practical experience in the cultural field. He worked in publishing for 10 years and was head of operations in 2007 at the New Art Gallery in Walsall, where he managed the art gallery site, developing the visitor experience and supporting the gallery to secure its long-term financial sustainability.

He also has experience engaging with visitors and customer service is at the heart of his work.

Mark said: "I am delighted to have the opportunity to join the Dean Heritage Centre as its new centre manager. I have worked in the arts and heritage sector for over 15 years, where I have had the opportunity to develop my passion for sharing and preserving our cultural heritage.

"I am looking forward to working as part of the DHC team and taking the centre forward to further success in the future."

The centre is holding a Charcoal Burn event this weekend from Saturday to Monday and a Jonathan's Jungle Road Show on Sunday, August 31.