A NEW chairman of the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) has been elected.

Tiffany Hunt said there was 'no better place on Earth' than the Lake District and described her appointment as a 'real pleasure and privilege'.

“The more I see and learn about the work involved in caring for the park, the more impressed I have been by everyone’s dedication and hard work and some brilliant conservation and access projects," she said. 

Ms Hunt was elected at the LDNPA's annual general meeting. Michael Carter was elected as deputy chairman of the authority. 

The pair will lead a 20-strong team of members that makes decisions relating to the management of the national park. 

Ms Hunt was first appointed to the national park authority in July 2019 and has previously held the position of chairman of the rights of way committee. 

The appointment of Gavin Capstick as the authority's new director of visitor services and resources has also been ratified. 

Mr Capstick took on the role on July 1 following the departure of Kerry Powell from the authority after 17 years.