A new face has joined a community foundation as its new director.

Helen Gray, formerly the head of operations at St Albans Cathedral, has joined the Hertfordshire Community Foundation as its new director.

She replaces Jonathan Aves, who left the foundation in May to join The Willow Foundation in Welwyn Garden City as its chief executive.

Ms Gray said: "This role feels like a dream come true. I have lived in Hertfordshire for 15 years, while my father’s family first moved to the county over a century ago."

She also commented that she had "very large shoes to fill" following Mr Aves departure, after his development of the new Love Herts campaign.

Gerald Corbett, chairman of the foundation, said: "We are pleased to welcome Helen Gray as the new Foundation Director.

"She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of Hertfordshire and its communities and we are confident that under her careful guidance we will grow in strength."

The foundation is "the natural port of call" for grant-making and philanthropy, working in partnership with organisations across the community.