A CHARITY which has been based in Hereford for 18 years is moving away from the city.

United Purpose, formerly known as Concern Universal, will be relocating its headquarters from King Street to Cardiff on Monday.

Global CEO, Kathryn Llewellyn, said: “Hereford has been an incredible base for us.

"The enduring support from local people has helped power forward our work across the world.

"So it was tough to make the decision to move as part of our new direction as an organisation.

"And whilst our offices are moving to Cardiff, we will still be working in Herefordshire.

"In this academic year alone we are working with over 50 schools in Herefordshire and the West Midlands – teaching them about global development issues like health, sanitation, climate change and the environment.

"This work is part of our core commitment to creating a generation of global citizens.”

The charity which aims to eradicate global poverty will be the largest international development organisation with its headquarters in Wales.

It was renamed United Purpose following a merger with sport-for-development charity International Inspiration in November 2016 and Peak District charity Village Aid in 2015.

Mrs Llewellyn said that their new Cardiff base will enable the charity to access international transport links and world class research from universities.

She added: "Cardiff promises to be a global hub for United Purpose’s expanding operations.

"This means we can deliver our mission to lift people around the world up out of poverty with an even greater impact.”