New president announced

The Blue Cross has announced that Tom Vyner CBE, former honorary vice president, is to be the charity's new president. Mr Vyner was a member of The Blue Cross Board from 1997 to 2000 and an active member of the fundraising committee for the new Blue Cross Victoria animal hospital.

With a long business career at Sainsbury's, Tom Vyner was influential in securing the association The Blue Cross has had with Sainsbury's, who still stock the animal care range of pet products which continue to bring useful income to the charity.

Chief executive of The Blue Cross, John Rutter, says: "The president of The Blue Cross is, of course, an unpaid volunteer and we are absolutely delighted that Tom has accepted the board's invitation to take up the position. We are very privileged that we have secured the service of a man with such an eminent career, who is passionate about animals and The Blue Cross."

Tom takes over from Dr Alastair Porter CBE, who retired from the position on 31 December 2005. John Rutter adds: "We are hugely indebted to Alastair for his commitment to and support of The Blue Cross. We are delighted that his wisdom will not be lost to the charity as he is continuing his association as an honorary vice president."