A NEW RSPCA officer has taken over as chief inspector in Worcestershire and Gloucestershire.

Lee Hopgood will lead a team of seven inspectors and three animal collection officers who are working to improve the welfare of animals across the two counties.

The 34-year-old is ready to take on a hectic schedule. Last year, when the team also covered Herefordshire, it investigated 3,031 cruelty complaints and carried out 4,244 collections and 233 rescues. It also secured 33 cruelty convictions against 12 people.

Mr Hopgood has been with the charity for more than eight years and has spent most of his career covering London's West End.

Before joining the RSPCA he spent a year as a mountain rescuer based in Brecon, Wales and clocked up nine years with the Grenadier Guards.

During his Army career he served in the Gulf War and had tours of duty in Europe, Canada, Kenya and Northern Ireland.

"I am looking forward to the challenge of working in a different area and improving animal welfare," said Mr Hopgood.

"There is a very dedicated team of officers in Worcestershire and Gloucestershire and I will do all I can to support and encourage their achievements."

After a change of boundaries, Herefordshire now comes under the control of chief inspector Alan Janes, who will also be responsible for RSPCA work in Shropshire.