SUSTAINABILITY expert Jonathon Porritt has become the new president of the Conservation Volunteers, an organisation which runs activities in York.

Mr Porritt, currently vice-president of TCV, will take over from Lord Norrie when he retires later this month.

Co-founder of sustainable developement charity Forum for the Future, he spent nine years advising to Government ministers as chairman of the UK Sustainable Development Commission, became Chancellor of Keele University in February 2012, and received a CBE in 2000 for services to environmental protection.

TCV Chairman, Rita Clifton, said: “We are absolutely delighted and proud that Jonathon has agreed to take up the role as president of TCV at such an important time for us.

“Jonathon has been a great supporter of TCV for many years, and his interests in the practical application and broader health and societal effects of sustainability are very much at one with our developing agenda.”

“We are very grateful to The Lord Norrie for his many years of committed service at the highest level and very generous support for TCV, and we very much look forward to him staying involved with us in the future.”