The director of a charity which helps adults get on in life is stepping down.

Frances Duncan is leaving The Whitehawk Inn, a community-led charity in east Brighton, which provides information, advice and a range of support activities, on December 31.

Mrs Duncan will depart after 15 years, 11 as a director, during which she led the charity through financial difficulty and into renewed stability.

She is not straying far, though, she will continue to be involved in voluntary work in the city and as a consultant in the charity sector.

She will continue to develop projects and activities for disadvantaged people as a director of Where Two Rivers Meet, a community interest company she set up with her husband Alistair earlier this year.

She said: “I am incredibly proud of the achievements of The Whitehawk Inn over the past 15 years and believe I am stepping down at a time when the charity is firing on all cylinders.

“The team has really performed a terrific job and together we have delivered a much-needed service to the people of this city.

“It was a difficult decision to make and I will be hugely sad when I finally walk away from this part of my life.

“However, I shall always remain extremely supportive of the charity’s objectives as well as looking forward to achieving more of my personal ambitions.”

Mrs Duncan’s successor is Tina O’Donnell, who has 17 years’ experience in the sector in adult and community learning.

Mrs Duncan said: “I think she will be a great appointment and very skilled to steer The Whitehawk Inn going forward.”

To ease the transition, Mrs Duncan will work with The Whitehawk Inn for one day a week from January until March.

Jon Downing, chairman of the charity’s board of trustees, said: “Frances created a unique and wonderful environment at The Whitehawk Inn, dedicated to helping people achieve their potential, in one of the toughest parts of Brighton.

“We thank her for the good work she has delivered over the past 15 years.”

Mrs Duncan added: “Excellent teamwork has always been responsible for the lasting, positive impact this organisation has had on the people in this community, and will go on having.

“It has been my privilege to serve The Whitehawk Inn and work with a great team of dedicated and skilled staff, colleagues, trustees, volunteers and residents.”