ARTISTS with a passion for Dartmoor ponies are being urged to submit work for a special exhibition that is supporting a new public awareness campaign focused on protecting the much-loved animals.

An exhibition at the Duchy Square Centre for Creativity in Princetown, is being held in collaboration with a number of pony groups and other Dartmoor organisations, who have joined forces with the common aim of supporting and protecting the ponies on Dartmoor.

Gallery managers at Duchy Square are looking for all kinds of artistic works with a pony theme for the event, entitled Ponies on Dartmoor, on Wednesday August 4 to Sunday September 5.

A number of artists have already contributed work to the display and exhibits will include driftwood sculptures of ponies, photographs and several paintings.

Gallery manager Philippa Smith said she would like to hear from any artists with pony related material, who would like to submit it for consideration.

She said: 'This is a major exhibition focusing on one of Dartmoor's most famous attractions, the ponies who have made this area their home since prehistoric times.

'As one of the focal points of the moor, we want to do all we can to support this new campaign to safeguard these lovely animals and highlight their beauty through the medium of art.'

The campaign is being launched by members of the Pony Working Group, which is the amalgamation of Dartmoor Commoners' Council, Dartmoor Hill Pony Association, Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust, Dartmoor Pony Society, Dartmoor Pony Moorland Scheme and Dartmoor National Park Authority.