AIREDALE NHS Foundation Trust chair Andrew Gold is stepping down.

He joined the trust as a non-executive director eight years ago, and became chair in 2018.

Mr Gold, who will finish on September 30, says: "There's never a perfect time for an organisation to change chair but it's important the timing coincides with stability and clarity in executive leadership arrangements, and we have that in place.

"In my time at the trust there have been many positives. I've great pride in what has been achieved and am pleased to be overseeing foundations being put in place for many more successes. The trust and its people will always have a special place in my heart."

Tribute is paid by trust chief executive, Foluke Ajayi.

She says: "Andrew’s focus and calm professionalism have seen the organisation, board and council of governors through the last eight years, including our response to the pandemic and the challenges caused by reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete.

"He's been instrumental in securing our position on the new hospital programme and overseen implementation of the electronic patient record programme.

"We'll miss his wise counsel and leadership."

The council of governors will now begin the process of recruiting a successor.