FORMER Dartmouth Academy principal Nick Hindmarsh has been appointed the new manager and co-ordinator of Dartmouth Caring.

He will take over the position from Alison Stocks on Monday, August 1.

Mr Hindmarsh, who quit the academy at the end of last summer for personal reasons, said: ‘I made a decision during 2015 that whatever work I do I want to do something I believe in and that benefits the community. In this role I see the opportunity to meet both these aims.

‘I am excited to be joining such a well-run charity and to work with a great team of professionals in the delivery of the charity’s aims.’

Dartmouth Caring’s chairman Dee Nutt said: ‘The next two years are an exciting time for the charity as we plan, with others, for the new and improved integrated health provision for the town, while at the same time continuing the work we do to support the community.

‘We are delighted to have Nick on board. The knowledge he has built up over the past six years of the needs of the town and his demonstrable track record in doing what he can to benefit the town, not just in education but with the youth club and Townstal Community Partnership, mean we are confident we have the right person in place to help us through this busy period.

‘Although very sad to lose Alison, I feel very happy with our new appointee.’

Mr Hindmarsh enjoys sailing and the outdoor life in the South Hams.

He and his wife, Tracey, are based between Totnes and Dartmouth.

He has five grown up children, four of whom are teachers.

Mr Hindmarsh was part of a major transformation of education in Dartmouth. Under his leadership since 2011 the Dartmouth primary and secondary schools developed into an all-through academy, during which he oversaw the £8.5m building programme.

After leaving the academy last summer, he took up a post at Tottenham University Technical College in London.