A NATIONAL broadcaster and the former managing director of one of Europe's largest low cost airlines will take centre stage at this year's York Professionals dinner.

The annual event is set to welcome author and broadcaster Kate Adie and former bmibaby boss David Bryon as guest speakers at this year's dinner on May 18.

A familar face through her work as BBC chief news correspondent, and one of the first British women to send dispatches from danger zones around the world, Kate Adie will join David Bryon, who was at the helm of bmibaby when it grew to become one of Europe’s largest low cost airlines and now enjoys a media career .

Anne Taylor, chairwoman of York Professionals said: "This will be my first Annual Dinner as chairwoman of York Professionals and I am thrilled to be welcoming a double bill of speakers.

"I am particular excited to hear from Kate about how her career in BBC reporting led her down the path of covering danger zones around the world and what life was like working literally on the edge - waiting for jobs coming in and not knowing where they would send you next.

“And we are all in for a treat with David who will be delivering the after-dinner speech. A great success story with bmibaby and a complete change in direction to what drives him today - delivering comedy routines, all within the theme of flying.

“York Professionals continues to grow stronger since it set up fifteen years ago, with an evolving, dynamic board of Directors, clear strategic focus, strong partnerships around the city and a continually increasing membership base.

"More than 100 York Professionals and business people will be attending what is promising to be an evening of good food, fine wine and great company."

Both tickets and sponsorship opportunities are still available for the event, which is being held at York Racecourse.

For more information, log onto www.york-professionals.co.uk