A housebuilder's new chairman said he wants the business to leave a "positive and lasting legacy" at each of its sites.

Julian Roper has been appointed as chairman of Persimmon Homes' South West division.

He takes on the job following a spell as regional managing director and managing director of the developer's Wessex business.

He said: "I am delighted that I'll soon be taking on the role of chair of the South West division, and I look forward to working with all the businesses in the region so the company can leave a positive and lasting legacy at each and every one of our sites.

"I am so thankful to the Persimmon team for placing their faith in me with this role and I'm eager to apply my experience to drive further growth and operational excellence for the division."

After beginning his career as an apprentice carpenter with Beazer Homes, Mr Roper progressed to contracts manager before joining Persimmon prior to its Beazer acquisition.

He has also served as Persimmon's head of construction and construction director for the Wessex region.

He takes over from Liam Scott, who has been promoted to deputy UK managing director and UK director of Charles Church.