Two new appointments at the Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society promise to signal some exciting developments at the 176-year-old institution.

The society's board of trustees has appointed Keith Hambly-Staite as chairman, following the selection of the previous chairman, Dr Anthony Phillips, as honorary president.

The society, which is a registered charity, has also appointed Henrietta Lilley as general manager to assist in the strategic development of the society as well as being responsible for developing and managing its day to day running.

Keith Hambly-Staite has been living in Cornwall for over 30 years. He is a chartered librarian and has worked in government, university and college libraries. He is also chairman of the Cornwall Education Business Partnership and a trustee of the Cornwall Wildlife Trust. He is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

"Cornwall has always been renowned and respected for innovation in science," he said on his appointment. "We want to build on this for Cornwall's future, particularly through encouraging young Cornish people and helping them to help them achieve their potential."

Honorary president, Anthony Phillips, said: "He [Keith] brings a wealth of experience to the Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society. His strong focus on education, together with his understanding of the need to share innovation in arts and science with the wider public, will be a tremendous asset to us."

Henrietta Lilley has recently returned to Cornwall, after working on a long-term contract in Egypt for a multi-national communications consultancy, handling clients across North Africa and the Middle East.

"I am delighted to be working for such a prestigious organisation," she said.

Further details regarding the latest developments planned by the society will be announced soon.