The appointment of former businessman John Mason, 63, of Bempton Lane, Bridlington, brings the board back to its full complement of 11 members.

A vacancy existed following the death earlier this year of commissioner and Bridlington businessman Reg Witty.

Mr Mason, who comes from Scarborough and graduated from Sheffield University with an honours degree in economics, was managing director of his Durham-based bakery consumables supply company which became was the largest employer in the town.

He spent most of his working life in Durham but took early retirement in 2004 to care for his late wife who became terminally ill.

Mr Mason enjoys charitable work and spends two days a week driving the Holderness area rural transport (HART) medi-bus linking Hornsea and district with hospitals in Hull, and one day a week as a volunteer with St Catherine's Hospice.

He is also a community governor of Woodlands School in Scarborough for children with special needs.

Although having no previous experience of harbour management, he said he was looking forward to a hands-on role in the management and development of the harbour for the benefit of the town.

"In some ways it is similar to my own company which was run entirely for the benefit of my customers.

"As I understand it, the commissioners are there to run and develop the harbour for the benefit of its users and for the benefit of Bridlington," said Mr Mason, who will have his first commissioners' meeting next Tuesday.