Roger French, the man in charge of making Brighton and Hove's buses run on time, has been appointed chairman of The Martlets Hospice.

He replaces John Wells-Thorpe, who steps down after six years in the post.

Hospice trustees hope Mr French's commercial experience as director of Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach Company will be a useful asset to The Martlets, in Wayfield Avenue, Hove.

Company secretary Kevin Smyth said: "We are confident he has the energy and vision to steer the hospice in the years ahead."

He paid tribute to Mr Wells-Thorpe, who joined The Martlets when it was in its infancy.

He said: "Under his careful stewardship the hospice has established and consolidated its position as a provider of high quality care."

Mr French said he was committed to the organisation which "plays such a valuable part in caring for the terminally ill".

Thursday July 29, 2004