A vacancy has arisen for a top position in an organisation that works to protect the natural beauty of Eryri.

The Chair of the Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri/Snowdonia Park Authority has stepped down.

Councillor Annwen Hughes was the first woman elected to the prestigious role.

According to a spokesperson for the organisation she informed the authority of her plans to leave at the end of November.

She has cited “work demands and personal commitments” as her reason for leaving, a spokesperson for the authority said.

A recent  meeting to elect  a new chair was blighted by “technical issues” and and has been postponed until February, 2024.

Cllr Hughes had been an authority member for a number of years and had previously held the vice-chair position.

She is also a Plaid Cymru county councillor for Cyngor Gwynedd for the Harlech and Llanbedr wards, and also represents the Harlech Community Council.

An Authority spokesperson said: “Cllr Annwen Hughes informed the Authority on November 20 of her decision to relinquish the Chair of this Authority.

“She cited an increase in work demands and personal commitments on herself and did not feel that she could any longer provide the time and dedication needed for the role as Chair of the Authority. The election of a Chairman during the (December) National Park meeting faced technical issues.

“In the spirit of fairness and with respect for the candidates, the members voted to postpone the election until the next Authority meeting in February.”