A charity's co-founder is calling it a day after 15 years of supporting new parents across Cheshire East.

Smile Group has announced that Ruth Williams, who also serves as operations director, is to step down from her role.

Ruth started the perinatal mental health charity with Natalie Nuttall in 2011, with the pair not wanting other new parents to go through what they had alone.

Today, Smile Group runs peer support groups in Macclesfield, Congleton and Crewe, with 1:1 home visits available across the borough as well as talk therapy and monthly family sessions at Ruby's Fund in Congleton.

Ruth, who is stepping away to focus on her own family, said: "It has been a huge to work alongside our staff, volunteers, trustees and partners, and above all to meet the families who have trusted us.

"My family has always been at the heart of this work, and now they need me at the heart of theirs.

" I leave knowing that Smile Group is in caring and capable hands, and I will always be proud of what we have built together."

Chair of trustees Anna Maddox added: "On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Ruth for everything she has given to Smile Group.

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"She didn't just found this charity, she shaped it, nurtured it and made it into a vibrant organisation.

"We are enormously grateful, and we wish Ruth and her family every happiness."

Caroline Staton will continue to lead Smile Group's day-to-day work as the Board is considers the next steps for Smile Group's leadership.