The new president of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RPTI) is keen to promote jobs in planning during her 12-month tenure.
Ann Skippers, formerly senior vice-president of the group, commented that she is particularly "delighted" to take up her post during an election year.
She said: "It will be even more crucial to champion the value of planning and planners on behalf of the profession."
Ms Skippers also listed a number of other priorities for her presidency, including encouraging other members of the RTPI to become more active within the organisation and to work with schools and colleges to promote careers in town planning.
Last year's Young Planners Conference was held in Newcastle and former RTPI president Martin Willey commented at the event that young planners have plenty of opportunities to demonstrate leadership and enthusiasm.
He also stated that in spite of challenging economic circumstances, those who have jobs in town planning have an important role to play in "creating better places for the future".
