A FORMER chairman of Friends of the Dales has been appointed onto the board of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority.

Mark Corner, who is still a trustee of  the Gargrave based charity, is one of two new members, with Derek Twine, appointed by The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to replace Jocelyn Manners-Armstrong and Judith Donovan who have both come to the end of their four-year terms.

Mr Corner retired from Royal Dutch Shell plc in 2009 after 30 years working in a variety of roles including chemicals, corporate and government affairs, and has lived with his family in Langcliffe since 2009.

He first visited the Dales on a school camping holiday and knows the area intimately through his interest in walking and photography. He also owns and manages two woodlands, for wildlife and amenity, and is a keen beekeeper.

Derek Twine, who lives in Burley-in-Wharfedale, is a former chief executive for the Scout Association and has had a number of management and leadership roles in youth work, adult training, corporate development and community engagement. He was appointed CBE in 2007 for services to young people.

Neil Heseltine, chairman of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority said: “These are two excellent appointments.

“Both Mark and Derek bring significant experience and knowledge that will be of great value to the Authority as we tackle the huge challenges faced by climate change, the future of farming and land management post Brexit, nature recovery and greater diversity of visitors and improved access to the countryside”.