A NATIONAL charity for people with learning disabilities has appointed a South Devon man to manage and develop services in the area.

Malcolm O'Dea, pictured right, has been appointed services development manager for HFT at Rivendell in Chudleigh.

He will manage and develop all residential care and supported living services including all day services provided on-site at Chudleigh and within the local community.

Malcolm moved to Devon from the North West where he was previously principal manager within learning disability services for Halton Borough Council.

Malcolm said: "HFT is a quality, progressive and forward thinking organisation and I am delighted to join the team.

"These are challenging times for service providers and I am very keen to further develop and improve the facilities we provide for people with learning disabilities here in Devon."

Previously known as The Home Farm Trust, HFT is a registered national charity for adults with a learning disability.

HFT provides services for over 1,000 people in supported living, registered care homes, advocacy, supported employment and day services.

The charity also runs a Family Carer Support Service (FCSS) which provides support each year for 4,000 family carers of adults with learning disabilities.