THE charitable trust responsible for Hexham’s Old Gaol and a host of other museums across the county has appointed a new chief executive.

Rowan Brown will take up her post with the Woodhorn Charitable Trust in February.

She in charge at the Alfred Gillett Trust and was previously director of the National Mining Museum Scotland.

Penny Wilkinson, chairman of the trustees at Woodhorn said: “Rowan brings significant strategic and operational experience and a track record developing new services for visitors and users and delivering capital development programmes.

“The trust has ambitious plans for its role at the heart of the cultural life of Northumberland and as a national exemplar in the development of museums, arts and cultural services.”

Operating under the banner of Museums and Archives Northumberland, the trust manages Woodhorn Museum, Berwick Museum and Art Gallery, Morpeth Chantry Bagpipe Museum, Northumberland Archives and Berwick Record Office, as well as the Old Gaol.

Rowan said: “I am thrilled to be joining the trust to build on the considerable success the organisation has achieved to date and to work with the talented team to ensure that the next ten years deliver the vision of enriching communities and enhancing individuals’ lives in exciting and innovative ways.”