My Yorkshire: Michelle Atkinson, The Technology Group

Michelle Atkinson is a service director at Leeds-based managed communications business The Technology Group.

Where do you live/where are you from?
I’m from Sunderland originally, but now I live on top of a Pennine hill near Penistone. I’ve lived in Yorkshire for 16 years now.

What is your favourite place to visit in Yorkshire and why?
There’s everything to choose from in Yorkshire – coast, country, cities… but I enjoy visiting Helmsley for its great range of independent shops, lovely cafés and location on the edge of the beautiful North Yorkshire Moors.

What is still on your “to do” list in the region?
I keep promising myself to make time to visit The Hepworth in Wakefield. The Yorkshire Sculpture Park is a lovely place to visit, and I’m looking forward to seeing more of the works of Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth.

What is the most memorable meal you’ve ever had in Yorkshire?
We’re lucky enough to have a huge choice of fantastic places, but a beautiful sunny day at The Star in Harome sticks out in my mind for the fabulous food and gorgeous setting.

What is your most Yorkshire trait?
Straight talking.

Favourite piece of trivia about the region?
Harry Corbett, the creator of Sooty, played the piano in a West Yorkshire restaurant owned by his uncle, Harry Ramsden.

What is your favourite cultural icon to come out of Yorkshire?
I really admire Dame Judi Dench – she’s a brilliant actress and a great role model.

First experience of Yorkshire (for non-Yorkshire folk)
Fountains Abbey – it’s a glorious setting, dramatic and majestic.

Worst experience or thing about Yorkshire?
Its 300 miles from Cornwall – and I love that county too!

What is one thing you’d steal from Lancashire (or other UK regions) if you could?
I’d import the ham and pease pudding stottie from the north east – scrumptious!!

What is the most overrated thing about Yorkshire?
The stereotype that Yorkshire people can be blunt: I’d just call it direct!