THE Martlets hospice has formally announced the appointment of its new chairwoman of Trustees as Juliet Smith.

Juliet was born in Brighton and has combined a varied career in education and law with active community involvement.

Working as a magistrate in the 1990’s she was appointed chairwoman of the Central Sussex Bench and of East Sussex Magistrates' Association. Juliet was also chairman of both Brighton College Prep Schools and Brighton & Hove High School.

Last year she made history by being the first Brighton born High Sherriff of East Sussex

Juliet is a patron of Sussex Crimestoppers, Brighton Hove and District Talking Newspapers for the Blind, as well as the Children with Cancer Fund and is an ambassador for the Sussex Community Foundation.

She will be taking up the role at the hospice in Hove on November 24.

Imelda Glackin, CEO said: “I am confident that Juliet will enable Martlets to continue to grow and deliver life changing Hospice care to more people and their families in the community of Brighton and Hove. "