Tim Harrison-Jones, director of resort food and beverage at Alton Towers, has been appointed general manager of fellow Merlin Entertainments-run attraction, Warwick Castle.

During his time at Alton Towers, Harrison-Jones was responsible for park catering and conferencing and helped introduce healthy-eating concepts and new commercial food initiatives. Harrison-Jones, who replaces Sue Kemp in the role, said: "My role is to ensure that Warwick Castle continues to be a key national attraction, in order to continue to benefit the town, and also to ensure we can carry out our commitment to the restoration and upkeep of this national heritage site.

"As you can imagine, with no access to government or lottery funding maintaining this glorious building and landscape is costly. On a personal level, I look forward to meeting and forging links with the local community and regional tourism partners." Image: (from left) Warwick mayor Michael Kinson; Harrison-Jones; Chris White, MP for Warwick and Leamington; and Warwick District Council chair Bertie MacKay at a recent Warwick Castle event.