Mark Gardner is to become the new chief executive of the Community Security Trust, replacing David Delew, who has announced he would stand down from the position in August.

Mr Gardner – who is currently the Director of Communications - said he was “deeply honoured” to be taking up the role at the CST which he would “lead on behalf of our entire Jewish community”.

Praising the organisation’s work and its “incredible volunteer security teams” across the country, Mr Gardner added: “I have fought against antisemitism, racism and extremism since I was teenager.’’

Outgoing chief executive Mr Delew said that after working for the organisation for nearly 30 years, he  had taken the “incredibly difficult” decision to step down.

He said he will leave on August 31, seven years after he was first made chief executive, adding he had always intended to take on the role for that length of time.

Mr Delew said he looked forward to returning to Manchester permanently to be with his wife, children and their grandchild.

He wished Mr Gardner “every success” as his replacement.

CST chair Gerald Ronson said: “David has given his all for CST and our Jewish community, bringing focus, commitment and professional  excellence across the charity.’

“I thank David, not only from CST and its trustees, but also on behalf of the whole Jewish community and our many allies in the continuing struggle against antisemitism.

“I wish David every happiness and success for the future. Looking ahead, I fear that Britain, Jews and CST will be facing difficult times, but in appointing Mark to lead CST, we have one of our community’s most experienced and highly respected professionals at the helm.”