NEIL Kilgour has been appointed chairman of the North Yorkshire branch of the Game Conservancy Trust.

His appointment marks the revival of the group in a county with a wide range of rare and important wildlife species and game.

County groups support the independent trust's research into game, associated species and habitats to ensure that the biodiversity of the uplands is maintained and the trust is particularly pleased to have a new group in North Yorkshire, one of the biggest, richest and strongest sporting areas in the country.

Mr Kilgour has worked as a land agent for Savills in North Yorkshire for the last 12 years. His main expertise is in the buying, selling and management of grouse moors, including his own, which he leases with his brother.

The revived group has organised an informative talk on Tuesday at Ripley Castle at 6.30 on how the new environmental schemes provide opportunities for game and wildlife.

The evening is free, but places are limited and places should be booked.

Two shoot walks are also planned, one on Grinton Moor, near Richmond, on Tuesday, July 12, at 6pm, and another on Thursday, July 28, at 6pm at Raisethorpe Manor, Thixendale.

For further details and to book places contact Steve Richardson on 01377 270248.