A children’s charity which helps youngsters across Runcorn and Widnes has appointed a new chairman.

The Youth Federation, which supports a network of youth organisations reaching more than 50,000 young people across Halton, Cheshire and Wirral has welcomed Jim Bisset as its chairman of trustees.

Originally formed in 1952 as the Cheshire Association of Boys Clubs, the Youth Federation aims to help young people develop their full potential enabling them to mature as individuals.

Chris Hindley, chief executive of the Youth Federation, said: “We are delighted to have appointed Jim Bisset as our chairman. Jim brings with him a wealth of experience of both the public and private sector as well as a passion for improving the lives of young people in Cheshire.”

Jim Bisset, a former chief executive of Umbro International, said: “I had no hesitation in accepting the position of chairman of the Youth Federation. I am incredibly passionate about the need to give all young people the best possible start in life and the programmes being delivered by the Youth Federation are completely aligned with this vitally important objective.”