THE Tyne Rivers Trust, the only environmental charity dedicated to improving the river Tyne, has appointed Dr Ceri Gibson as its new director.

Dr Gibson is returning to the Trust after three years running a national project restoring freshwater pearl mussel rivers with the Freshwater Biological Association in Windermere.

She will focus on the Trust’s work to improve the river habitat which saw it build Hexham Fish Pass in 2015 and another four fish passes this year.

The Trust also works with farmers to prevent waste flowing into the river through two farming facilitation funds and leads research into the impact of historic metal mining on water quality.

Dr Gibson said: “The river is an important asset for everyone in our catchment and the work that we do is vital to maintain and improve it for everyone to enjoy.

“The Tyne is also home to many protected species, such as water voles and white clawed crayfish, as well as freshwater pearl mussels.

“The projects we carry out have a profound effect on our wildlife, our personal health, our homes and land, leisure and tourism and our communities.

“I look forward to continuing this work with the help of our volunteers.”

Tyne Rivers Trust has been working to improve the River Tyne and its catchment since 2004.

In that time, the number of barriers to fish migrating upstream have been reduced, while water quality and river habitats have been improved.

Working with schoolchildren and communities along the Tyne, the Trust also plays a part in helping future generations to understand the value of the river. Its work to protect and improve the Tyne as an important river system is ongoing.