THE pilot who died when a helicopter crashed in North Yorkshire has been named by police.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said on Thursday that they believed the pilot was Barry Dodd CBE, the Lord-Lieutenant for North Yorkshire.

He said: "Sadly, the pilot of the private aircraft following the helicopter near Aldborough was pronounced dead at the scene.

"Whilst we await formal identification, we believe he is Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for North Yorkshire, Mr Barry Dodd CBE. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time."

Mr Dodd’s family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.

The helicopter crashed at about 1.25pm on Wednesday, and officers remain at the scene today, alongside the Civil Aviation Authority and the Air Accidents Investigation Board, whilst investigations continue.

Mr Dodd holds an OBE, a CBE, and was the Queen's reprensetaive in North Yorkshire as the Lord-Lieutenant, as well as board positions on public and private organisations. He got the Lifetime Achievement Award at The Press Business Awards in 2016.

Described by peers as a serial entrepreneur and wealth creator, Mr Dodd works throughout North Yorkshire to support business, promoting the region on a national and international level, as well as attracting, managing and distributing almost £240 million of Government and European funding through his position as chairman of the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Local Enterprise Partnership.

Mr Dodd was the first person elected to the role of LEP chairman, appointed to run the business-led partnership with the public sector, working to help businesses in the region improve and grow.

Mr Dodd began his working life as a graduate trainee with ICI and spent five years within ICI management working in London, New York and Teesside. He left when the urge to work for himself got the better of him.

He founded his first company, GSM Graphic Arts Ltd as a two person start up in Thirsk. Through organic growth and 15 acquisitions within the last 15 years GSM has grown to become the largest manufacturer of industrial graphic products in Europe. In the UK, GSM Group run 4 manufacturing plants and a software house.

In 2005 Mr Dodd decided to devote one day per week to unpaid public service. 

He received his OBE in 2006 and in recognition of his work, he was awarded a CBE in 2014 for services to the Yorkshire Economy and voluntary service to the community.

Also in 2014 Mr Dodd was made Lord-Lieutenant for North Yorkshire, the Queen’s official representative for the district following the retirement of Lord Crathorne.