Art gallery the Turner Contemporary has hired a new head of finance to help it through “challenging times” for the charitable sector.

Anthony Crocker, who lives in Herne Bay, has held senior finance roles at charities KCA and Demelza and spent 10 years at chartered accountants Kreston Reeves.

He joined the Margate-based gallery to begin a “new chapter” in his career but he acknowledged his new employer faces tough times.

He said: “The landscape has changed dramatically with less public money available and a greater emphasis on charitable fundraising and other forms of funding.”

Turner Contemporary director Victoria Pomery said: “We are really pleased to appoint Anthony as head of finance.

"His wide experience in the charitable and private sectors means that he understands how best to manage our finances in these challenging times.

“As a charity, we generate much of our own income through our trading arm and through our fundraising campaigns to ensure that every pound of public investment is money well spent.

"This means we can continue to offer world class art to the public for free, act as a catalyst for regeneration for Margate and East Kent and change the lives of local people.

"Anthony is instrumental in helping us achieve this.”