THE Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust, which runs Okehampton Hospital among others across the county, has appointed two new non-executive directors to its board.

Nick Lewis from near Crediton and Chris Snow CBE from near Lifton were chosen to join the board, with their four year terms set to last to July 31 2015.

Nick has worked for more than 30 years in the public and private sector and is currently deputy CEO of the South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA).

Chris has served in the Royal Navy for 35 years, acquiring a public service background in leadership, strategy setting, business risk, resource management and personnel.

Previously Chris was head of all training, education and operational standards for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, and Head of the Surface Navy.

Trust board chairman Roger French said: 'We are delighted to welcome Chris and Nick to the board. Nick brings extensive experience of both private and public sectors, the last ten years of which being specific to the South West. Chris brings a wealth of public service experience to the role.'

The Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust is responsible for acute services provided by North Devon District Hospital and community hospital services provided by 17 hospitals across Exeter, East, Mid and Northern Devon.