The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority has appointed former Government ministry adviser Gary Smith as its new head of conservation and policy - one of the park's key positions.

Gary has been on secondment to the park as corporate management officer for the last eighteen months from the London headquarters of the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions.

He has been promoted to lead the conservation and policy department, whose work includes farm conservation, ecology, trees and woodland management, building conservation, archaeology and liaison with other local authorities on economic and social issues.

Gary, 35, who lives in Appletreewick, commented: "Having spent the best part of two years with the authority I have learnt first hand about many of the issues that affect this very special part of the country. Working with a team of specialists I am looking forward to playing my part in delivering a better environment for the people who live and work here, and the millions that visit each year.

"After the devastating effects of foot and mouth disease, our priority will be to work with farmers, landowners, partners and individuals to conserve the special environment of the Dales and help rebuild the rural economy in a sustainable way."