TWO new faces have replaced key members of the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean Tourism Association (WVFDTA) panel.

Ian Officer and John Theophilus were officially appointed yesterday (Tuesday) as the new chairman and treasurer respectively.

The former chair Caroline Anderson MBE, who has been in the role for 12 years, said: "It's been a very rewarding and enjoyable journey watching the association and its membership grow. We've achieved so much to put the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley on the map and help the tourism economy grow. I hand over to Ian knowing our professional destination management organisation is in safe hands."

Mr Officer, who owns Pedalabikeaway in Cannop, has been a member of the association since 2011 and was appointed vice chair of the board of directors in 2012.

In the last three years he has worked alongside Caroline to transform the organisation through a restructure and winning several critical funding initiatives.

He said: "The association has been transformed under Caroline's leadership of the board of directors and I plan to build on this work. I aim to improve our effectiveness at regional and national level, grow our membership and ultimately the value and potential of tourism in the area through opportunities such as the Rugby World Cup and the launch of our TV and movie trail." 

A founding member of the original tourism organisation in 2002, Brian Deakin, is retiring and handing over the control of the association's purse to John Theophilus.

Caroline added: "Brian has worked tirelessly over the past 10 years, far beyond his duties as treasurer and in no small measure is responsible for the smooth-running and success of the association.  

"Without Brian's invaluable help and assistance during his tenure it is hard to imagine the association would have been in the same healthy situation it currently is now. He is owed an enormous debt of gratitude from all our members."