New director for heritage museum

Mr Evans takes up his post as Beamish director in July

A new boss is taking over at one of the North East's top tourist attractions.

Richard Evans, 35, is to take over at Beamish in July. He is currently director of South Yorkshire's Wentworth Castle and Stainborough Park Trust.

The 300-acre site near Stanley, has recreations of towns, shops and a tram system from the last two centuries.

Miriam Harte quit as director of Beamish in County Durham last year, blaming "structures and management arrangements" for her decision.

Beamish, which attracts about 350,000 visitors annually, is governed by a joint committee of councillors from across the North East.

As Beamish director Mr Evans will help to oversee a budget of £3m, 90 full-time staff and up to 200 employees in the peak summer season.

He said: "Beamish is a fantastic place that people love to visit from all over the UK.

"I share in Beamish's passion for the social, industrial and agricultural past of the north, the heritage that has shaped our places, culture and identity."