A PEER in the House of Lords who has campaigned tirelessly for victims’ rights since her husband was murdered has been appointed the new President of Bolton Lads and Girls Club.

Baroness Helen Newlove takes over the role from outgoing President and fellow member of the House of Lords Baroness Trish Morris.

Baroness Newlove first visited Bolton Lads and Girls Club (BLGC) in 2008 to see the work being done to support young people after her husband’s tragic death.

She said: "From the very first time that I saw for myself the great work being done in Bolton and the huge positive impact it has on the lives of so many young people from all different backgrounds, I have been enormously impressed with the club.

“I am so looking forward to getting stuck into this role as a passionate advocate for the club.

“More importantly I want to highlight the fantastic support that BLGC gives to young people, having seen for myself just how the young people are able to access a safe and secure space, working with great volunteers and youth workers who will help a struggling teenager.

“The voices of the young people matter so much. I am able to shine a light not only on the great work of the club but also the voices of the young people who use such a fantastic facility.

“Bolton has been a pioneer in providing facilities and mentoring for young people and it is a template that I would like to see right across the country.”

Baroness Newlove was thrust into the public eye in 2007 in the most horrific circumstances when her husband Garry, aged 47, was beaten to death outside their home in Warrington by a gang of youths.

In 2010, she was given a peerage.

She said: “I never expected to be in the House of Lords.

“It has opened the door and enabled me to see some amazing work carried out by dedicated people and Bolton Lads and Girls Club exemplifies that work perfectly.”

Last year she was also appointed to the role of Pro-Vice Chancellor at the University of Bolton.

Baroness Morris has been involved with BLGC for the past 25 years and took over as club President in 2015 when Ross Warburton stepped down.

Baroness Newlove said: “Bolton has been and continues to be a large part of my life and I am so pleased to become President of the Lads and Girls Club. It is a superb local charity that I truly know changes the lives of our young people for the better.”

Chief Executive of BLGC, Karen Edwards OBE, said: “I would like to thank Trish for her hard work and support over the past four and a half years, she has been wonderful.

“We are absolutely delighted that Baroness Newlove has agreed to be our new President.

“She is passionate about what we do and what the club stands for. I know she will be a fantastic advocate and I am looking forward to working closely with her.”