EXMOOR National Park Authority has appointed Sarah Bryan as its new chief executive after a rigorous selection process with a national advertising campaign which brought 70 applicants.

Sarah has been head of conservation and access at the authority for four years, brings a wealth of experience of national parks, and has a strong background in landscape management and conservation.

She starts her new job on January 3 and succeeds Dr Nigel Stone, who is retiring after 17 years.

In a farewell comment, he said: “Over that period, we have seen plenty of challenges but also made many notable achievements in the conservation of Exmoor’s landscape wildlife and cultural heritage and in support of Exmoor’s businesses and community.”