A FOUNDATION which gave out more than £1.2 million to groups across Swindon and Wiltshire has appointed a new chairman of trustees.

Former major general Ashley Truluck CBE will take over Wiltshire Community Foundation and help it support good causes around the county.

The 71-year-old said: “I am passionate about community projects so I wouldn’t have taken on the role unless I was convinced that it was a worthy cause.

“The foundation does a fantastic job providing philanthropists and other donors with a safe and efficient route for dispensing financial support to communities in need. Equally importantly, it provides ongoing research into areas of need in Wiltshire, and free advice and guidance to people setting up and running community projects.

“With a surname like Truluck, I have been blessed with true luck in life.

"I hope I can bring just a little of that luck to my time with the Wiltshire Community Foundation in order to put people who care, in touch with communities that matter - and so help make Wiltshire an even happier, safer and more equitable place to live and work in.

"I am really looking forward to working with the trustees and chief executive Rosemary Macdonald.”

Ms Macdonald said: “I am delighted to have Ashley working with us and know he will bring new ideas, drive and passion. He joins us at an exciting time when we have six new trustees on board."