THE new boss of a top wildlife conservation group has come to her new post in York via Manhattan.

Victoria Chester-Kerr is the new chief executive of the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, a post she comes to after working as a lawyer in New York and Hampshire.

"I'm delighted to be moving to Yorkshire," said Victoria. "With their rich diversity of habitats and species, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust's nature reserves are vital for the future of our wildlife.

"But they are also a great opportunity for us to get more people interested in wildlife. I want the whole of the county to know more about what's around them.

"The outstanding Yorkshire countryside is one incentive to move north, but a bigger reason is the opportunity to work with the trust's extremely knowledgeable and committed team of staff and volunteers. I'm also looking forward to meeting as many members as possible and encouraging even more to join us."

"We need to build on the great achievements of the past to deliver a sustainable future for wildlife and people throughout the county. "

Victoria has traced her family tree back to Yorkshire in 1612.

After reading American Literature at university in Massachusetts and law in Cambridge, Victoria worked in the legal profession in New York, then in Hampshire.

After working in London for some time, she joined Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust in 1998.

Anyone wanting information about the trust can call 01904 659570 or visit www.yorkshire-wildlife-trust.org.uk

Updated: 08:44 Thursday, June 26, 2003