Karen Edwards takes charge of Bolton Lads & Girls Club

Formerly deputy chief executive, she replaces Jeremy Glover who stepped down in January to become chief executive of OnSide, a charity that emerged from Bolton Lads & Girls Club with the aim of building similar clubs across the North West.

In the past 12 months Edwards has been responsible for the pathways2success programme, a government-funded project working with five local schools to reduce the number of young people not in education, employment or training.

Edwards said: "I have massive shoes to fill, but I'm not even going to try to be Jeremy. I'm going to put my own mark on the club. I feel like this is the start of a new era and I'm excited about the future and the opportunities ahead."

After joining the club on a voluntary basis in 1995, Edwards became a full-time staff member co-ordinating a mentoring project within two years.

The project went on to become an award-winning scheme that sees disadvantaged young people receive one-to-one support, friendship and encouragement from positive role models.