A new leader has been appointed to head up a forestry advisory committee for Yorkshire.

Jeremy Walker, chairman of the Yorkshire Regional Flood Defence Committee, has this month taken up his post as chairman of the Forestry Commission's regional Advisory Committee (RAC).

Mr Walker, a self-employed policy consultant, said: "The key challenges for the Forestry Commission in Yorkshire and The Humber include demonstrating the role that trees can play in climate change adaptation and mitigation, exploring the opportunities for the development of recreation and access and the potential for greater partnership working.

"I'm really looking forward to working with the Forestry Commission and its partners to tackle these and other challenges for forestry in the region."

Crispin Thorn, regional director for the Forestry Commission in Yorkshire and The Humber, said: "Jeremy has an extensive knowledge of the region and thanks to many years working in senior public sector roles across Yorkshire."