HAVING left St. Fagans 15 years ago to become property manager of the stunning Petworth House and Oakhurst Cottage in West Sussex, Dai Evans is delighted to be back in Wales as director of the Picton Castle Charitable Trust.

"Picton Castle is a hidden gem - one of the most important historic houses in Wales with a nationally important woodland garden," he explained. "Very importantly, it's in the centre of a real community. I can't wait to get to meet everyone to find out how we can work together to make Picton Castle an important part of Pembrokeshire life. These great properties need huge amounts of care and money to keep them going, and it's only worth doing if they also make a contribution to local life!"

Said Tom Lloyd OBE, chairman of the trustees: "We're very sad to say goodbye to David Pryse Lloyd, who has been trust director for 15 years, and wish him a long and happy retirement. Dai takes over a property which is attracting more and more visitors every year and has lots of great ideas on how to make it more exciting. Watch this space - I think you'll be hearing much more about Picton Castle in the coming weeks."