A new director has been appointed to head Ilkley Literature Festival - which was launched the year he was born.

Dominic Gregory, 26, was selected from 12 applicants for the £17,000-£20,000 a year job which was advertised in a national paper.

He succeeds David Porter who left in October after five years as festival chief to develop his own company promoting arts in East Yorkshire.

Mr Gregory worked for the Royal Overseas League in London for two years. The private members' club was awarded a royal charter to help young authors from overseas and he was responsible for organising their readings as well as having a classical music and fine art remit.

Prior to that he completed a Masters degree in Philosophy at University College, London.

Of his new post, he said: "I never expected to get it in a million years but I think my enthusiasm shone through. I really wanted it."

He believes the £20,000 awarded by the Millennium Festival scheme will give the festival even greater publicity and enhance its already impressive reputation.

And he has called on the community to provide greater input and appealed for the business community to establish sponsorship links with the festival.

He also hopes to continue the successful partnership with Northern Spirit and establish further links with businesses and community organisations.

"The popularity of literature festivals has mushroomed over the past five years and they don't come much bigger than Ilkley,'' he said.

"I want to see the festival go from strength to strength and continue to provide Ilkley with an asset it can be really proud of."

Mr Gregory said planning for the Ilkley Literature Festival 2000 was now in the early stages.

Festival treasurer Jim Walton, who was part of the interview panel, said: "We were impressed by his enthusiasm and ideas for taking it forward."

Mr Gregory will work closely with Claire Thacker, who has responsibility for literature festival projects.

For further information about the Ilkley Literature Festival, contact Dominic or Claire on (01943) 601210.

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