A NEW man has been appointed to help safeguard the region's ancient and historic properties.

Jeremy Reed, from Pickering, North Yorkshire, has become English Heritage's visitor operations director for northern England.

He joined English Heritage five years ago, having worked in the hotel and leisure industry on both sides of the Atlantic. He decided to return to North Yorkshire and joined the team at Rievaulx Abbey.

His priorities will be projects at Scarborough Castle to refurbish the master gunner's house, and at Byland Abbey, near Coxwold, where the site's museum is being upgraded with new exhibits.

He also aims to enhance the service for the 800,000 visitors to the properties managed by English Heritage in Yorkshire.

English Heritage's national director of visitor operations, Clews Everard, said: "This is an absolutely pivotal role for the North of England, particularly as the attractions sector is so competitive these days.

"People have such a wealth of choice as to how they spend their leisure time, it is crucial that we make sure that our properties really stand out from the crowd, as well as ensuring that our visitors have an enjoyable day out so they come back again and again."