The Leprosy Mission England and Wales (TLMEW) has appointed Peter Walker as its national director, replacing Rupert Haydock after his unexpected death in September.

Walker has recently moved back to the UK after working in Washington DC for the past two years as executive director for Prison Fellowship International. Prior to this he worked in the UK as national director for Prison Fellowship England and Wales from 1992 to 2007. 

TLMEW is a Christian charity working to eradicate the causes of leprosy in the developing world. Peter plans to bring the leadership and marketing skills he developed at the Prison Fellowship drawing on his experience of dealing with socially excluded, disenfranchised members of society.

Of his time at the Prison Fellowship Walker said the most rewarding part of his job was "Seeing men and women in prison coming to faith in Christ."

TLMEW has offices in 25 countries around the world to benefit 11 developing countries in Africa, South Asia and East Asia Pacific.