A FORMER leader of Bury Council has been appointed chairman of a Bury charity.

Mike Connolly has joined the board of trustees at Annabelle’s Challenge — a charity providing support to patients and families affected by Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (Vascular EDS), as well as raising awareness and campaigning on behalf of people living with the condition.

Sarah Ward has stepped down as chairwoman and will resume her role as a trustee of the board.

Charity founder and CEO Jared Griffin said: “We are extremely grateful to Sarah for helping the charity to grow over the last five years and successfully guiding the team in delivering the world’s first ever Vascular EDS Conference in 2017.

"I am excited that we have been able to find an individual like Mike to chair the charity, with such a wide breadth of skills. In particular, his experience in leadership will add greatly to the future direction and growth of the charity.”

Mr Connolly served as council leader between 2011 and 2016, as the Mayor of Bury in 2016/17 and deputy Mayor in 2017/18.

Mr Connolly said: "I am delighted to be joining Team AC at this exciting time and look forward to working with the team and the AC family both to raise awareness and much needed funds."