A WILDLIFE protection organisation, which runs an important Newport centre, has a new boss.

Katie-Jo Luxton was appointed Director for Wales of RSPB having previously been its head of conservation.

She was at the forefront of persuading Assembly leaders to take action to protect and restore the natural environment.

Ms Luxton will head a team of more than 150 staff across the whole of Wales as well as 810 volunteers.

RSPB Cymru operates the education and visitor centre at Newport Wetlands.

She was delighted to be leading the organisation at such an important and exciting time for nature conservation.

"The next few years are really make or break time to save some of our characteristic wildlife in Wales."

Ms Luxton added that they were campaigning for more investment in protecting and enhancing wildlife and its habitats.