CONRAD Lynch, 46, of Kirkby Stephen, will take over the new post of artistic director and chief executive at Keswick's Theatre by the Lake.

A freelance producer and arts consultant, father-of-two Mr Lynch has produced work with highly respected organisations such as Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse, Manchester International Festival, Manchester's Royal Exchange Theatre, Shared Experience and West Yorkshire Playhouse.

Prior to moving to Cumbria 18 months ago he was a producer for the Ambassador Theatre Group which has a chain of theatres in London, the regions and overseas.