THE chief executive of a county mental health charity is to step down after 12 years.

Benedict Leigh will leave Restore – which provides coaching, recovery groups, employment workshops and training – in June.

A spokesman said: “Under his leadership, Restore has grown and developed, and the number of people we support has increased from around 100 people a year to more than 800 people a year.

“He has played a key role in enabling Restore to make a huge difference to the lives of thousands of people.”

Mr Leigh leaves to take on the role of strategic commissioner (adults) at Oxfordshire County Council.

He said: “I will be leaving Restore at a time when we have financial stability, a strong staff team, and huge support from our trustees.”