An Offenham resident has been appointed to the Board of Trustees of a national conservation charity, Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST).

Martin Penny, who lives in the village near Evesham, will help set policy, agree strategy and approve major commitments for the charity that works throughout the UK.

RBST focuses on the conservation and promotion of the UK's rare native breeds of livestock and equines.

Among those at risk, according to the RBST Watchlist, are North Ronaldsay sheep, Gloucester cattle, Traditional Hereford cattle, Gloucester Old Spot pigs, Exmoor ponies and Shire horses.

Mr Penny said: "I am very pleased to join the RBST Board of Trustees.

"My enthusiasm for conserving native livestock and equine breeds was initially inspired by my wife Claire, who has held a lifelong interest in rare breed conservation.

"We are proud to support a very rare breed on the RBST Watchlist with our flock of North Ronaldsay sheep.

"This is a key moment for RBST and rare breed conservation, as we look to the potential change of Government in 2024 and consider the possible impacts of major policy changes on our native breeds and on the individuals and organisations that work together to conserve and promote them. "

Mr Penny has previously held senior management positions, including chief executive and chief financial officer in various sectors over thirty years.

These encompass further education, culture and the arts, the Church, and charity organisations.

Prior to his finance career, he served as an officer in the British Army.

In 2018, Martin and his wife Claire began their own flock of the rare North Ronaldsay sheep at their smallholding near.

RBST chief executive, Christopher Price, said: "We are delighted to welcome Martin to the RBST Board of Trustees, his extensive leadership experience and award-winning expertise in finance will be a great asset to the Board and to the RBST as a whole.

"As well as these skills, Martin has personal experience of developing interest and expertise in rare breed conservation and starting a rare breed flock from scratch.

"Martin is a fantastic champion of our native breeds and also of RBST’s dedicated members."