PALACE and cathedral expertise will guide Castle Howard into the future.

Rebecca Thompson, who ran a £20 million restoration of York Minster as its superintendent of works, has been appointed the new head of built environment at the stately home.

She will take responsibility for maintaining and restoring its fabric.

She said: “I look forward to sharing my heritage expertise to conserve and restore Castle Howard and to working with this great team of people.”

John Hoy, former chief executive of Blenheim Palace, will become chief executive of Castle Howard.