THE chief executive of a Dartmoor pressure group has just announced he is to stand down, after nearly nine years at the helm.

John Bainbridge has been at the forefront of several battles in his role as the Dartmoor Preservation Association?s chief executive.

He oversaw the DPA?s successful campaign to save Shaugh Moor and the Blackabrook Valley from quarrying and has consistently spoken in opposition of the army?s use of the moor for live-firing exercises.