Joint director of Tightrope Pictures Hilary Bevan Jones isto become the first woman to chair the British Academy of Film and TelevisionArts (Bafta) in 60 years.

She was named deputy chairman today, which means she willchair the organisation next year.

Bevan Jones is a well-known name in UK television with ahistory of high-quality drama. Her most recent work, The Girl in the Cafe,written by Richard Curtis and directed by David Yates, screens this week onBBC1 and HBO.

Duncan Kenworthy, current chairman of BAFTA said, "This isvery good news for the future of the Academy. Hilary is a major figure in theBritish independent TV industry, and a key member of our Council."