A NEW man takes over the helm of the newly-formed northern area of the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service from Monday.

Divisional Officer Dave Hall has been appointed director of fire services for the district, which covers the Hambleton and Richmondshire District Council boundaries.

In his previous role as policy, planning and performance officer, based at brigade headquarters, in Northallerton, he was responsible for formulating the strategic direction the service needed to take to meet the needs of the community.

He joined the Greater Manchester brigade in 1976 and served at various stations before transferring to North Yorkshire on promotion to station officer in 1984.

He said yesterday: "I am looking forward to putting my experience to good use in the newly-formed northern area of the service.

"Geographically, the area is huge and presents a diversity of situations which might pose unique challenges for operational firefighters.

"These can range from the particular problems faced by the agricultural community, through to the need to protect the UK's largest garrison population."

Divisional Officer Hall is married, has three children, and lives in Northallerton.