THE chairman of a park authority has been re-elected for a third term.

Steve Macare, of Harrogate, North Yorkshire, who is also a county councillor, was returned unopposed as chief of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, by members at a meeting on Tuesday.

The selection of a deputy has been delayed until September, after votes for John Blackie and Jerry Pearlman were tied.

Mr Macare said he was delighted to be chosen as chairman for another 12 months.

"The past year has seen this authority rising to many challenges, yet none has been as great as the devastating affect foot-and-mouth disease has had on this area's farming and tourism industries," he said.

"In the coming year, I want this authority to be at the forefront of any recovery, assisting farmers to rebuild in a sustainable way and helping to restore public confidence in this great national park, encouraging them to return to enjoy what is a very special place."

Last week, Mr Macare was also elected to serve as deputy chairman of the Association of National Park Authorities.

The national organisation provides national parks with a voice when dealing with the Government and its agencies.