THE new county patron of Marie Curie Cancer Care in North Yorkshire got to grips with her role at the weekend.

Lady Sylvia Crathorne took to the driving seat on the first day of charity's Ladies' Driving Challenge at RAF Linton-on-Ouse, near York.

Lady Crathorne, who lives near Bedale, North Yorkshire, has taken on the voluntary, ambassadorial role for the cancer care charity to assist their work in North Yorkshire.

Susie Fothergill, community fundraising manager for the charity, said: "We are thrilled at Lady Crathorne's appointment. She has been a long-term supporter of the practical nursing care provided by Marie Curie nurses to cancer patients in their own homes.