YORKSHIRE Water has appointed its youngest-ever director.

Richard Flint, 35, above, will take over the company's Water Business Unit from Charles (Chuck) Firlotte on August 1.

Mr Firlotte has been appointed president and chief executive officer of Aquarion, Yorkshire Water's sister water company in America.

Mr Flint, at present manager of the Water Business Unit's west area, joined Yorkshire Water in 1992 as a graduate trainee, working in various parts of the business before joining the Water Business Unit four years later. He was promoted to field operations manager in 1998.

Committed to putting the customer at the heart of all the company's operations, he championed a fundamental review of employee terms and conditions which led to extended working hours and weekend working.

Mr Flint lives in Otley and his hobbies include rock climbing and amateur dramatics. He is a member of Otley Community Players.