JNF's new regional director intends to bring leaders of the charity to the north in an effort to re-engage with Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester supporters.

Jo Krasner, who lives in Liverpool, started work last week as the fund's provincial link based at its new regional office in Altrincham. Its Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester offices closed last August as part of JNF streamlining.

Ms Krasner wants to enthuse fresh teams of volunteers in each city and is planning a key regional event within weeks which will involve acting JNF chief executive David Goodman and national chairman Samuel Hayek.

"People want to support JNF but many aren't sure what they want from us," Ms Krasner said. "They may not want to be contacting London all the time. Now I am trying to introduce a local element. We want to listen to our supporters."