TYNE Rivers Trust, the only environmental charity dedicated to improving the River Tyne, has appointed a new deputy Chair.

Steve Hunneysett, who lives in Wark, will take on the role.

Steve, a commercial filmmaker, joined the Trust in the position of Trustee two years ago, having always had a keen interest in conservation.

He enjoyed the role so much that he was keen to take on more responsibility within the organisation.

Steve will provide support to the Trust's Chair, Richard Kirk.

Beginning his career with the BBC, Steve went on to manage a TV department in a large marketing group before founding commercial filmmakers Re:production Ltd, a company which won an industry "Outstanding Achievement Award" in 2019 shortly before being purchased by a Japanese multinational.

Steve said: "It has been fantastic to use my passion for the environment and the Tyne rivers in a constructive way.

"I hope that my commercial background in marketing and my enthusiasm for the outdoors can help the Trust to realise its ambitions so that everyone who lives in the Tyne catchment can benefit from a healthy and bio-diverse river system."

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

In that time, they've reduced the number of barriers to fish migrating upstream, 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.