A NATIONAL recruitment campaign is to be launched to appoint a new chief executive for the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority.

The park authority's urgency committee met on Thursday of last week to consider arrangements following the resignation of Mrs Heather Hancock.

Coun Steve Macare, chairman, said: "Our search for a new chief executive starts today. We will be looking to recruit a candidate who can build on recent initiatives to modernise and revitalise the organisation and with the flair to steer the authority on to even greater achievements in the future.

"This will be a crucial appointment for both the authority and the national park.

"With the imminent publication of the government's rural white paper, the arrival of the right to roam legislation that will give wider public access to upland areas, and preparing to deliver the government's best value agenda, it is vital we secure the right candidate for the national park."

The chief executive is responsible for day to day management of the authority, its staff and £4m annual budget. He or she is also the public face of the organisation and responsible for managing performance and reporting to membership.

Mr David Butterworth, head of finance and resources, takes over as acting chief executive until an appointment is made.