The Donkey Sanctuary, an animal welfare charity with a site near Sidmouth, has appointed a new CEO.

The new permanent chief executive Marianne Steele joined the charity in 2010 as Director of Fundraising and Communications, and was more recently acting CEO.

Chair of Trustees Paul Lunn said: "I am confident that in Marianne we have found an outstanding leader who is the right match for our charity.

"Her passion, commitment and vision for The Donkey Sanctuary won through and I believe, under her guidance, we can move forward with a clear sense of purpose."

Marianne said: "I am delighted to lead The Donkey Sanctuary on the next stage of its journey.

"For five decades the charity has been a powerful and enduring force for good, driven by an extraordinary heritage of scientific and veterinary excellence to make the world a better place for both donkeys and the communities who depend on them.

"It's a privilege to lead our cause and to serve the phenomenal staff, volunteers and partners who help deliver it."