THE chief executive of Blackburn-based youth empowerment charity SLYNCS is to step down.

Jaffer Ali Hussain helped set up the organisation in 2013 and officially launched it in 2014.

Mr Hussain is stepping down for nine months to work on a project in London.

In a letter Mr Hussain said he made the decision after being hospitalised and having his appendix removed on Christmas Day.

He said: “It was this unfortunate incident that allowed me to make the decision that it was time for me to move on from SLYNCS so that I could continue to develop myself both personally and professionally as well as developing those around me.

“I also felt that it was for SLYNCS’ best interests that I allowed others to take the reigns and to lead the organisation through the next few months and potentially years.

“I hope to return to Blackburn and to SLYNCS in a much stronger position."