THE bid to transform the site of the Great Yorkshire Show has been strengthened by the addition of "new faces" to the team at the Yorkshire Agricultural Society.

Recent additions to the staff are:

Nigel Morgan in a new post of operations manager;

Mark Stoddart, financial controller;

Michelle Marshall, shows co-ordinator;

Susan Hibbert, who takes on a new role within the society as human resources manager.

The new posts follow the announcement of a £10 million development plan for the society's 250-acre site on the edge of Harrogate.

The society is best known as organisers of the Great Yorkshire Show, but events take place at the showground all year round, including the prestigious Yorkshire International Business Convention.

A recent independent survey revealed that the venue contributes between £30 million and £37 million to the local economy.

Nigel Pulling, society chief executive, said: "The work of the society year round has increased substantially over the last few years.

"Our plans to improve the facilities and become the agricultural centre of the north mean we need a team of the highest calibre.

"Our new members of staff enable us to take the society's work forward both as an important venue for a wide range of events, and as organisers of the Great Yorkshire Show."

Updated: 15:49 Wednesday, March 09, 2005