THE Yorkshire Tourist Board (YTB) has slashed the number of its directors from 42 to 15, which will include 11 new non-executive directors.

The cut will "create a more flexible and responsive structure", claims the York-based YTB.

The change is a result of YTB's ongoing work with regional development agency Yorkshire Forward to design a new structure for tourism in the region, focused on bringing more visitors to the county.

The non-executive directors will take up their positions on April 1 alongside three existing directors and Judith Donavan, the new chairman

A YTB spokesman said: "An open appointments process attracted people with a wide range of skills and experience culminating in a rigorous selection process. Among the 11 chosen were Elaine Bedford, 46, owner and operator of Eastgate Cottages, Pickering, and former acting chief executive of the English Tourism Council.

Sir Thomas Ingilby, 49, owner of Ripley Castle and chairman of Yorkshire's Great Houses and Castles, was selected for the role as was Carl Les, 55, owner and operator of The Lodge, at Leeming Bar, chairman of Your Hotel in the UK Ltd, director of Business Link North Yorkshire, and executive member of North Yorkshire County Council.

Ms Donovan, said: "The selection panel was spoilt for choice. We had some hard decisions to make. It bodes well for tourism in Yorkshire that so many able people wanted to play their part in growing our business."

Updated: 11:30 Friday, February 18, 2005