Chair of Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust, Jacqui Boardman, has stepped down from the role after five years.

She is to be succeeded this month by freelance consultant Andy Wiggins, who has been a member of the board since 2005.

Trust chief executive Rodney Hill said: “Jacqui has given five years of outstanding service - all of it in an unpaid voluntary capacity.

“She helped to establish the trust in 2002, before its launch in April 2003, and has developed an excellent board giving strong and creative leadership.

“Jacqui has always been passionate about the contribution that leisure and cultural services can make to the quality of people's lives and she's been unstinting in her commitment, not least in terms of time.

“We will all miss her, but she's left the organisation in a much stronger position than it was when first formed. We all wish Jacqui well for the future.”

Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust is now one of the largest sports trusts in the UK with an annual turnover of around £26m.

Photograph: Jacqui Boardman with chief executive Rodney Hill and chair in waiting Andy Wiggans at the recent AGM