THE key people faced with the task of getting Skipton's new tourist information centre (TIC) up and running have been announced.

The new manager is Sue Swales, who was born and bred in Skipton. She said she had travelled extensively and understood what tourists expected from different towns and cities.

She has a good knowledge of Skipton and the Dales and, coupled with strong customer relations training, is in a good position to manage the new TIC.

"I aim to offer first class services to visitors and local businesses, she said. "I believe the Skipton area has an individual charm which keeps visitors returning time and time again. We intend to mirror that charm in the centre and ensure free information is available to all."

The TIC's new management board will make the running of the centre a community venture and the majority of the representatives with voting powers will come from local businesses.

Ann Harding, from Cravendale Guesthouse, Skipton, and Brenda Shuttleworth, from Dalesway Caravan Park, Gargrave, were voted on as representatives from the accommodation sector.

Uncontested were Chris Birkbeck from George Fishers, in Skipton, and Stephen Walker, from Bolton Abbey Steam Railway, who will represent the tourist industry. There will also be representatives from the chamber of trade, Skipton Town Council and Craven District Council.

Also on the board as advisors but without voting rights will be an executive officer from Craven District Council and members from the Yorkshire Tourist Board, the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Craven College and a company secretary.

Sharon Sunter, from Craven District Council, said she hoped the management board would give everyone a chance to have a say in the running of the TIC and ensure it was meeting everyone's needs.

The former Skipton Tourist Information Centre went into liquidation in September because of huge running costs associated with its Craven Court site.

A steering group of interested parties was formed to resurrect the TIC, and a new site was found on Coach Street.

Contractors have already begun upgrading and renovating the offices. The two front rooms are being gutted to make one big room and the building is being insulated, rewired and new heating put in. It is hoped that it will open in early April.

Miss Sunter added: "We want to make sure we have a nice welcoming modern environment. It is a shop window for Skipton."

The centre will be staffed by one full time centre manager, two part time information assistants and a band of volunteers. Interviewing for the information assistants will take place next week.

Chairman of the steering group Anne Hadaway said they were still looking for volunteers. "A number have come forward, but the bigger bank we have got the better," she added.

It is preferable if the volunteers should have some IT experience but everyone will be given training. For more information contact 01756 706214.

It is also the last chance to get entries in for the TIC's design a logo competition. The winner will see his or her design on stationery and promotional leaflets and will receive £50. The logo has to look as good in black and white as it does in colour and all entrants must be amateurs.

Entries should be with Mrs Hadaway at Pottery and Pine, Mill Bridge, Skipton, by Monday.