JULIAN Brown likes to rise to a challenge.

He has to. His new role is as the newly-appointed ranger for Castle Hill, the famous landmark which dominates Almondbury.

And Julian, 36, is determined to do his best to ensure that the thousands of people who visit it every year see it at its best.

Castle Hill has been in the headlines recently with a battle over the building of a hotel on the top, the outcome of which is to be determined by a public inquiry.

Also, families have complained that they have been unable to fly kites because of power lines near the hill.

But Julian hopes the arguments will not spoil visitors' enjoyment of the beauty spot.

He diplomatically refuses to talk about the controversies, but says: "People have so many memories of Castle Hill, so many reasons to visit. It is a happy place."

Julian, who lives near Barnsley but used to live in Linthwaite and Marsden, worked for the National Trust in Marsden for several years.

He then spent seven years working for the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers.

There will be an opportunity to meet him during Heritage Open Weekend.

He will be on the hill on Sunday, September 12, when the Victoria Tower is open free from 12.30pm to 4.30pm as part of the national celebration of Britain's heritage.

There will also be free admission to the tower during the same hours the day before.

Mr Brown, a single man, said: "It's my job to encourage the public to appreciate and respect the ancient monument, which is also a haven of wildlife and plants.

"Local people are passionate about the hill. I'm hoping they'll help me to look after it properly."

He has been removing four or five bin bags of rubbish a week from the hill - and that is only from the accessible parts, such as the car parks. The other areas, such as gorse bushes, will take months to clear.

Julian is also worried about dog fouling in areas used by families. He plans to hand out leaflets on responsible dog ownership. "It is all about educating people on how to look after the site and to enjoy what it has to offer," he says.

Julian is hoping to form a group of volunteers to help him look after Castle Hill. Anyone interested can call him on 01484 223830.