Dartmoor National Park Authority has appointed a new chief executive following a “rigorous selection process”.

Tom Surrey said he was delighted to take up the role and had a “lifelong connection” with Dartmoor.

He said he looked forward to shaping a bright and sustainable future for the national park. “Dartmoor is an exceptionally special place,” he added.

Mr Surrey joins the authority from the Department of Health and Social Care where he served as director of adult social care workforce and policy for five years.

He has more than two decades of civil service experience which includes leading policy, strategy and legislation for national parks, forestry, and rights of way at Defra, alongside roles in housing, local government, and the cabinet office.

Chair of Dartmoor National Park Authority, Will Dracup, said Mr Surrey’s extensive experience and passion for Dartmoor would be “invaluable”.

He said: “I and the authority members at Dartmoor National Park warmly welcome Tom and look forward to him joining us in March.”

The authority said Dr Kevin Bishop would continue to lead the authority as chief executive until Mr Surrey takes up his new role.