YORKSHIRE Cancer Research (YCR) announced the appointment of a new chairman, Graham Smith.

He aims to steer the charity towards its goal of saving 2,000 more lives every year in the region by 2025. Mr Smith, former managing director of BUPA Care Services, has been chairman and a non-executive director of several businesses in the health and social care sectors. He currently chairs MHA Care and Solingen Private Equity Fund.

Mr Smith, who lives in Ilkley, also serves as chairman of Ilkley Community Enterprises and Ilkley Playhouse.

"I am delighted to have been asked to take over as chairman of Yorkshire Cancer Research at this important stage in its development," said Mr Smith, who succeeds Professor Anthony Robards, chairman for the past six years.

"I look forward to building on the excellent foundations laid down by Professor Robards and to working with fellow trustees in supporting management and colleagues to help reduce the devastating impact of cancer on the lives of people living in Yorkshire.

"As someone who has experienced the impact the diagnosis of cancer can have on a family, I know how important it is to be able to have access to professional support.

"It will therefore be a privilege to serve with an organisation whose mission is to work in partnership, fund research and support initiatives that will help people in Yorkshire avoid, survive and cope with cancer."

Charles Rowett, chief executive officer of YCR, said the charity had a clear strategy to lower cancer incidence rates and increase survival rates in every part of the region.

"Graham is an entrepreneur with a strong charity background and a track record of growing both businesses and charities," he added.

"He is a proud Yorkshireman and committed to leading the charity through the next phase of our development so that we deliver on the promises that we have made."