ALAN Hardy has been appointed chairman of the independent Royal Marines charity Go Commando, taking over from Kevin de Val, who has held the post since 2013 and has been a trustee since the charity's formation in 2010.

Mr Hardy was the brainchild behind the annual Commando Challenge.

Go Commando, which will continue to operate with a small board of trustees, is launching some new fundraising campaigns next year and has launched a recruitment drive for volunteers and ambassadors - register your interest at info@gocommando.org.uk