A NEW man has taken over at the top of the organisation behind the Great Yorkshire Show.

Nigel Pulling, 42, has been appointed as the new chief executive of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, having previously served as the society's head of finance and commercial enterprises. He takes up his new post with immediate effect.

Announcing the appointment, chairman John Stoddart-Scott said: "Nigel joined the society a year ago and was immediately thrust into the fast lane with the illness and untimely death of the former chief executive, Robin Keigwin.

"However, his previous experience as a finance director and company secretary has proved invaluable and he has helped guide the society and provide leadership at a critical time.

"The pressures in agriculture continue and as we re-launch the Great Yorkshire Show, Nigel will have a significant involvement in ensuring the continued success of the society and the show."

An accountant by profession, Nigel ia married with two children and is a graduate of Newcastle University

* The 2002 Great Yorkshire Show runs from July 9 to 11.