In a move to strengthen the park team as it gears up to host events in 2012, Graham Dear has taken up the role of Park Manager of Greenwich Park. His predecessor, Derrick Spurr, will continue to work for The Royal Parks as Project Manager for The London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.

Graham joins the Royal Parks from Kent County Council where he was Country Parks Manager. Having trained in horticulture at both Oxford University Botanic Garden and at Kew, he gained experience in park management at both Wolverhampton Borough County and South Staffordshire District Council.

Graham Dear, Park Manager of Greenwich Park said: "I have always felt that The Royal Parks would be an excellent organisation to work for. Greenwich Park is a fantastic place and it is so full of history and character. The fact that the 2012 Equestrian events will be based here is a big attraction of the job and I look forward to working with Derrick to maintain the integrity of the park."

Derrick Spurr, Project Manager for the London Games said: "Graham is a great addition to the team at Greenwich Park. I am delighted that my new Royal Parks' role will allow me to focus on ensuring that the Equestrian and Modern Pentathlon events are a great success and that they have a minimal impact to the park and the park users."

Media enquiries:

For further information or images please contact: Sylvi King, The Royal Parks on 0300 061 2128 or sking@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk

Notes to Editors

About Greenwich Park and The London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games:

• Greenwich Park will host the Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Events and elements of the Modern Pentathlon.
• The Equestrian Cross Country Course will be in Greenwich Park and The Royal Parks is working closely with LOCOG to ensure the course is designed to avoid impact to trees and to protect ecological and archaeological areas.
• LOCOG is responsible for reinstating the Park to its pre-Games condition following the events in the summer of 2012.

About Greenwich Park:

• Greenwich Park is a World Heritage Site and the oldest enclosed Royal Park. There has been a settlement on this site since Roman times, but Greenwich is more strongly associated with royalty. The land was inherited in 1427 by the Duke of Gloucester, brother of Henry V, and generations of monarchs have enjoyed this magnificent park ever since.

About The Royal Parks:

• The Royal Parks is an executive agency of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. The Royal Parks are: Bushy Park, The Green Park, Greenwich Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, The Regent's Park and Primrose Hill, Richmond Park and St James's Park.
• For further information please visit: www.royalparks.org.uk