A TOP North Yorkshire visitor attraction has a new face at the helm.

Sue Dalton has taken over the reins as manager at the Thirsk-based World of James Herriot.

She is keen to build on the success of the £1.4 million centre by bringing even more visitors into Hambleton.

"The World of James Herriot is a fantastic visitor attraction in a beautiful part of the country," she said.

"I want to make sure no-one misses out on visiting us - especially the schools. It is a great resource for them - and right on their doorsteps. And I want to build on links with the residents and businesses in Thirsk. The centre is an all-year-round attraction - it only closes on Christmas Day - so can bring extra business into the town whatever the season."

Sue joins the centre from the Tate St Ives in Cornwall, where she was visitor services manager for ten years. She had previously worked at Madame Tussauds in London.

Updated: 11:12 Tuesday, November 05, 2002