A NEW post at the University of York will tackle the "drastic" shortage of expert conservationists in the city and across the country.

The Hamlyn-Feilden Fellowship, launched with a grant of £128,000 from the Helen Hamlyn Trust, also recognises the contribution of Sir Bernard Feilden, both to architectural conservation and the university itself.

The Fellowship will be a new post in the department of archaeology, and whoever takes it up will encourage local workers in crafts and trades to go back into education to learn conservation skills.

The cash will also be used to create a database of people involved in conservation across northern England, as well as hosting demonstrations, training days and placements in York.

Sir Bernard, a conservation architect of international standing, has a long association with York - he was surveyor to the fabric of York Minster from 1965 to 1977, as well as overseeing the conversion of Heslington Hall for use by the university in 1962.

He carried out a similar conversion project at Kings Manor, where a reception to launch the fellowship was held.

For many years he lectured on and acted as external examiner for the York MA in conservation studies, University vice-chancellor, Professor Brian Cantor, said: "The Hamlyn-Feilden Fellowship will be important and influential in addressing some of the difficulties facing the conservation sector.

"It will also celebrate Sir Bernard's distinguished career in architectural conservation and his very significant contribution over more than 40 years to the University of York - both to its fabric and to its academic development.

"In deciding to locate this project at York, the Helen Hamlyn Trust has shown considerable intellectual foresight and we thank the trust for its generous support."

The Trust's founder, Lady Hamlyn, said: "The trust is honoured to recognise Sir Bernard's great contribution in the field of international conservation.

"Many projects have benefited from his wisdom and experience and personally I am pleased.

"To be able to support this fellowship in the department of Archaeology within this distinguished University."

Sir Bernard said: "This Fellowship is a great honour, and I am extremely grateful to Lady Hamlyn, and glad that her name is linked with mine.

"I was honoured to help build the University of York in 1962, and ever since have had close links. This Fellowship is a wonderful end to a long connection."

The department of Archaeology is contributing £15,000 and the University Alumni Fund £9,000 towards the costs of the project.