THE new leader of Yorkshire's flood defence committee says he wants to promote long-term planning to anticipate future flooding problems.

Jeremy Walker, 55, is the chairman of the Yorkshire Regional Flood Defence Committee and will chair his first meeting, in Leeds, on July 14.

The former chief executive of North Yorkshire County Council said he wants to make sure money is available to take a long-term approach to flooding that takes into account rising sea levels, extreme weather patterns and climate change.

He said: "Yorkshire is a unique region with a very varied landscape which gives rise to many flood risks.

"We have been seeing more extreme weather in recent times as we know only too well from the severe storms and flash floods in North Yorkshire last month.

"These issues all present challenges for the committee and we need to develop plans that will meet people's needs in the future.

"It will be very important to work closely with many partners including local authorities, Government departments, Yorkshire Forward and the business sector."

Mr Walker was appointed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and will chair the committee until June 2008.

The father of three was chief executive of North Yorkshire County Council for six years, but stepped down earlier this year to dedicate more time to community roles.