The broadcaster and journalist who recently left the BBC after 23 years has accepted the position of charity president.

Beverley has been associated with SASBAH for five years and in that time has helped raise the profile of the organisation which provides help and support for children and young people with spina bifida and hydrocephalus across East and West Sussex.

Beverley said: "I am delighted to be joining the team at a challenging time. I am stepping into some big shoes – the last SASBAH president was a former BBC Director General Sir Michael Checkland – and he will be a tough act to follow.

"I hope I can use my journalistic skills to promote the fantastic work done by the charity, and as president I will be representing SASBAH at all sorts of exciting events."

The General Manager of SASBAH Rom Sanglaji commented: "We are delighted that Bev is taking a major role with SASBAH. We are so lucky to have her expertise. She has been a great asset to the charity for a number of years and we are excited to have her as our new president."SASBAH is a charity dedicated to supporting children and young people with spina bifida and hydrocephalus across East and West Sussex. For more information: www.sasbah.org.uk.