A VACANCY has arisen for someone who loves the countryside to take an active role in preserving the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Members of the park authority are taken from elected members of local councils and others are appointed by Defra to represent the national interest. There will be a vacancy for an appointee for three years starting next April.

The new member does not have to live in the park and the authority is particularly anxious to recruit from groups at present considered un-represented: women, members of ethnic minorities or the disabled.

An application form and further details can be obtained by writing to Carol Foster, The Countryside Agency, John Dower House, Crescent Place, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 3RA.

Alternatively telephone 01242 533 284, fax 01242 584 270 or email carol.foster@countryside.gov.uk. Application forms are also available from the Defra website at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/appointments/index.htm