Alistair Sommerlad has been appointed as the first chairman of the new Stonehenge and Avebury WHS Partnership Panel.

Mr Sommerlad has been a resident of Wiltshire for 18 years, living in both Amesbury and Stapleford.

He is a history graduate with a passion for archaeology who worked in the British Army before taking up a career with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

As well as being knowledgeable about Stonehenge he has always followed closely developments at Avebury while living in Wiltshire.

Mr Sommerlad said: “I am delighted and privileged to take up this new role as chair of the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site at what is an exciting time for the World Heritage Site with the opening of the new Stonehenge visitor centre, the closer working between the two halves of the WHS and the development of a new joint management plan.

"I am looking forward to working with the Partnership Panel and the many people involved in the management of this truly unique site.”

Mr Sommerlad took up the voluntary role from January 1 for an initial three year appointment.