THE Commandant of Dartmoor Training Area has retired from his duties, 17 years after returning to Dartmoor.

Lt Col Tony Clark from Sticklepath has retired after eleven years in the role.

For six years he was the Commander of all the South West's Training Area, stretching from Penhale in Cornwall to Pilning near Bristol.

In 2000 he retired from the regular Army to take on the responsibility of managing the military interests on Dartmoor. His principle concern has been to balance the Armed Forces' vital training needs with care for the conservation of the National Park and consideration of other users of the moorland.

For Lt Col Clark it was the small things about retirement that he noticed first: 'The big thing so far is being able to switch the mobile phone off for the first time in 17 years. That felt a bit strange.

'Another amusing thing is that for the first time in 57 years since I attended school I've had to think about what I'd dress in. From my days at school in battle-dress to my army days, I've always worn green. Now I can choose what to wear, I've gone with blue trousers!

'It has been a great privilege, tremendous fun and a great responsibility to work for the people of Dartmoor and it has felt very worthwhile.

'The local people have been incredibly supportive of the military in my time here, and our integration into the fabric of the moor has been a great success.

'With the intensive involvement of the moor in military operations over recent years, the military are most grateful for the support from Dartmoor's communities.

'Highlights of my time have included working with the Military Conservation Group and the commoners' association to look after Dartmoor. '

Lt Col Clark has had connections to Okehampton Camp since his childhood. His father was on the staff of Eaton Hall Officer Training Corps at the camp in the early 1950s.

He left Okehampton when he was ten years old to attend the Duke of York's Royal Military School in Dover. After joining the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 1964, he served with the Parachute Regiment across the globe until 1999. He was presented with an OBE for his work devising and introducing simulation systems into army training.

In retirement, Lt Col Clark intends to write the 200-year history of the military's close involvement with Dartmoor. He is a trustee of the Dartmoor Trust, which has compiled an archive of thousands of historic photographs of Dartmoor and assists conservation projects. He will continue to work with the Ten Tors challenge.

Lt Col Clark has also been involved with Okehampton Otters Swimming and Lifesaving Club, and South Tawton Commoners' Association.

Col Charie Pyman has returned to Dartmoor and taken on the responsibilities of Commandant until Christmas when a new officer will be appointed to manage the military interests on the moor.

­Col Pyman served with the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards from 1962 to 1995 and was the Commandant of Okehampton Battle Camp before becoming the Deputy Commander of the Defence Training Estate South West, based in Exeter. He is also the president of the Okehampton Royal British Legion.