Youth for Christ has appointed Neil O'Boyle as its new UK director.

The charity's existing national director, Gavin Calver, announced his move to become the Evangelical Alliance's director of mission/England in December.

O'Boyle has been involved in Youth for Christ International for more than 23 years and will begin his new role in August. He has been YFC's area director for Asia Pacific since 2010, having previously worked in the Middle East and North Africa.

President of Youth for Christ International, Gordon Rendle, and chair of British Youth for Christ, Ken Wright, said in a joint statement: "We recognize that Neil's move will be a big loss to YFCI and he and his family will be greatly missed. He has done a great job in introducing new evangelistic initiatives and developing the shape and strength of International Field Ministries.

"Neil's unique gifts, talents and qualifications will propel him in this new role and we are excited at what the LORD is doing. In the greater economy of God's Kingdom, we are 'One YFC' and can see the wisdom of this move. We look forward with anticipation to the next chapter for British Youth for Christ and seeing many more young people in Britain encounter Jesus!"