The head of a farming charity has been praised for his “tremendous contribution” as he quit the role to take up another post.

East Anglian Daily Times: Ian Bell, former chief executive at the Addington Fund.Ian Bell, former chief executive at the Addington Fund. (Image: Archant)

Ian Bell has led the Addington Fund since 2001. The charity said it was now looking for a new chief executive to take it forward.

The structure of the organisation has been under review for some time to make sure that the administration of the charity’s major portfolio for housing continues to grow and that there is support for all fund raising events, trustees said. The charity, which has its roots in Suffolk and was launched in 2001 in the wake of a foot-and-mouth outbreak, provides homes and support for farming families.

Chairman of trustees Sheila Cole said: “We are grateful for all the support of former staff and volunteers. We hope that through appointing a new chief executive we can build on this success and take one of the essential rural charities forward.”