IN a childhood dream come true Anthony Worrall has been appointed the new general manager of the four-star Hilton Hotel in York.

Long before Mr Worrall, 32, joined the Hilton group ten years ago, he dreamed not only of becoming the general manager of an hotel, but of one based in York. "It is what I've always wanted," says this former UK Hilton conference and banqueting manager of the year.

He succeeds Bernadette Gilligan who has been promoted to an area business development role for the five Hiltons within Yorkshire at a time when an investment of more than £600,000 has meant refurbishment of 40 bedrooms with the remaining 90 bedrooms to be revamped over the next 18 months.

This is his sixth Hilton - his last stint was as manager at Nottingham - although in the past he has toured the world working for P & O Cruise Lines aboard SS Canberra.

But his dream was always to find a top hotel job in York - and especially in an hotel opposite Clifford's Tower.

He speaks Italian fluently - his mother is Italian - as well as Spanish.

Mr Worrall believes in close ties with the community- and plans to personally take part in an hotel management team of problem-busters, offering gardening, decorating or other services to organisations like hospices old people's homes or churches.

He said: "We are a big player in the city and as a reputable company we are perceived to be luxurious, but even though we live in a luxurious world we really do care about the needs of the local community."

He and his wife, Stephanie, have two sons, Lewis, five, and Alexander, three.

LANGLEYS solicitors, in York has promoted Jonathan Mortimer to the position of associate.

The firm now has 17 partners, with total staff numbers fast approaching 180 across the firm's three offices in York and Lincoln.

With more than nine years experience, Jonathan Mortimer, heads the commercial litigation department in York and specialises in a wide range of areas such as disputes involving commercial clients, franchise disputes, intellectual property matters, health & safety issues, building claims and licensing.

Mike Williamson, joint managing partner in York, said: "We are delighted to announce Jonathan's promotion, which serves not only to recognise his achievements, but also reflect the overall growth and success of the firm."

Yorkshire WATER has appointed its youngest-ever director. Richard Flint, 35, takes over the reins of the company's Water Business Unit on August 1.

He succeeds Charles "Chuck" Firlotte, who has been appointed as President and Chief Executive Officer of Aquarion - Yorkshire Water's sister water company in the US.

Richard, who is manager of the Water Business Unit's west area, began his career with Yorkshire Water in 1992 as a graduate trainee, working in various parts of the business before joining the Water Business Unit four years later. He was subsequently promoted to field operations manager in 1998.

He will become the youngest member of Yorkshire Water's executive management team, taking one of the most challenging briefs in the company.

Denise DODD has joined york-england.com as client services manager.

The organisation is the new, geographically-broadened version of what was until recently York Inward Investment Board (IIB).

Her job will be to assist companies to relocate to North Yorkshire, drawing on the knowledge of York gained by the old IIB and by liaising with the economic development units of neighbouring councils as well as commercial property agents and developers.

Previously the northern regional manager for Forsythe Business Centres, she will help inward investors and indigenous companies to find suitable commercial properties in the region.

Clive Owen & Co, chartered accountants and business adviser group, has appointed Rebecca Dell as its tax expert.

Rebecca joins the York practice from PricewaterhouseCoopers where she was a tax consultant.

She has successfully gained the ATT (Association of Taxation Technicians) and ATII (Chartered Institute of Taxation) qualifications and gained breadth of experience during her time with one of the largest global accountancy firms.

Her appointment underlines the emphasis the firm places on providing first-class tax advice over and above assistance with year-end procedures. Rebecca will work alongside one of Clive Owen & Co's Tax Partners, Nicola Bellerby, at its office on Northminster Business Park.

As well as her taxation qualifications, she also has an MSc in chemistry from Durham University and enjoys playing a wide range of sports, having been the captain of both the university hockey and football teams.

Nicola Bellerby, tax partner, said: "We are finding more and more business owners are relying on us to provide specialist tax advice in order to maximise opportunities for tax relief, and Rebecca's appointment will mean we can provide an even better service to our clients."

Updated: 09:18 Tuesday, July 22, 2003