THE Heart of Kent Hospice has appointed its first ever chief executive.

Kate Bosley, who takes up the new position within the Aylesford-based organisation, first had contact with the hospice more than 13 years ago.

She said: "I had read about hospice care and realised that there was something available to patients with life threatening illness. I wanted to know what it was and how I could be part of it."

Kate has held arious positions in three Kent hospices and says she is delighted with her new role.

She added: "My time has been focused on ensuring that the organisation has strategic direction for the coming months and years.

"I am fortunate to have inherited a committed and skilled team who I value enormously. I very much look forward to working with them to address future challenges and to take the Heart of Kent Hospice into the next phase of its development."