There is a new centre manager at The Kings Arms youth project in Alton.

Sarah Beechcroft-Kay has taken over the reins at Vicarage Hill from Annemarie Woods.

Chief executive Caroline Aeschliman said: “We are deeply grateful for all Annemarie has poured into the project.

“At the same time, we’re thrilled to see Sarah stepping up, bringing fresh energy and vision.”

Sarah, who was previously programme co-ordinator, said: “I have been a youth worker since 2017 when I came back to work after having my little boy.

“I have loved working at The Kings Arms, getting to know and support so many fantastic young people. I also get to spend time with some of the most fun, interesting and caring colleagues.

“Away from The Kings Arms, I love running, being outdoors and having fun with family and friends, and, most of all, eating yummy food. I really like watching stand-up comedy for a good belly laugh, and even better if I get a chance to watch live shows.”

​Letting the 11 to 18-year-olds who use the centre know a bit more about her, Sarah added: “I used to be cabin crew for British Airways, and spent lots of time in the Caribbean. I have run five marathons. And my guilty pleasure is fast food - you can’t beat a McDonald’s breakfast or a KFC Zinger Burger!”

In other staffing moves, Anne Deakin has stepped down as finance trustee after “years of faithful service”.

Caroline said: “Her wisdom, steadiness and heart for young people have shaped Kings Arms in countless ways.”

And David Loveless has moved to a new role as young carers lead, which Caroline said would be “positioning us even better” to support young people in Alton and Petersfield.

The Kings Arms took 32 children from Alton, Petersfield and Horndean on a day trip to the Avon Tyrrell outdoor activity centre in the New Forest during the February half-term, with another visit made there in the Easter holiday.

During the February trip they enjoyed point-scoring archery games, bushcraft - gathering timber and learning how to start a fire in the rain with a flint and steel fire starter - a hot lunch, going up and down the climbing wall, and tackling various problem-solving challenges as a team.

The government’s Adventures Away From Home Fund funded every child’s place and Bedales School provided minibuses.

Caroline added: “For many of our young people, this outing is a highlight of the year - a chance to build confidence, try new challenges and create memories that last well beyond the event.”

A recent fundraising campaign reached its £25,000 target, and Caroline thanked the public for their generosity.

She said: “Opportunities to make a difference in a young person’s life can appear and disappear in a moment.

“Every pound represents someone choosing to invest in young people’s futures, and that support means more than words can express.

“Thank you for standing with us. Your support makes everything we do possible, and together we’re building a future full of hope and opportunity.”