A NEWPORT-born Paralympian has been appointed as the new vice-chairwoman of the organisation responsible for overseeing sport in Wales.

Pippa Britton, who is also the chairwoman of Disability Sport Wales, has been appointed to the board of Sport Wales, alongside athletics star Christian Malcolm, who is also from Newport.

Chairman of the organising committee for next year's Eisteddfod Ashok Ahir has also been appointed to the board, along with Ian Bancroft of Flintshire County Council and Alison Thorne, currently a trustee with women’s charity Chwarae Teg.

All five will take up their new roles at the start of October.

Ex-Wales and Newport Gwent Dragons rugby player Richard Park has also been re-appointed to the board, as has Samar Wafa, who has worked extensively with grassroots sports. Their new term of office will begin at the start of September.

In November last year the entire board of the organisation were suspended following concerns it had become “dysfunctional”. And in March chairman Paul Thomas and his deputy Adele Baumgardt were sacked.

Announcing the appointments, the Welsh Government’s public health minister Rebecca Evans said: “Together, they bring a wealth of experience of working with under-engaged communities to inspire and increase participation levels, as well as an understanding of the needs of elite athletes.

“I am grateful to the new members for accepting the invitation to serve on the board. I am also grateful to those out-going members for their service.

“I am confident the board has the expertise and experience required to support me and the staff of Sport Wales in taking forward our ambitions for a more active and successful nation. I look forward to working with them.”

Lawrence Conway, who was appointed as interim chairman in March and will remain in the role for at least the rest of 2017, said: “The members will strengthen the board with their wealth of knowledge and experience and provide invaluable insight and perspective to the board’s deliberations.”