A MAN from Winkleigh is one of a record number of new professional members admitted to the Institute of Chartered Foresters following professional examinations in November.

Kenton Rogers, who works for Hi-Line Consultancy, is one of 33 new members awarded with chartered status.

The ICF, which was founded in 1925, is the Royal Chartered body for foresters and arboriculturists in the UK that regulates the standards of entry to the profession, and offers qualifications to promote expertise in tree and woodland management.

ICF president Fenning Welstead FICFor said: 'Chartered status is a matter of pride for all who hold it. It is also a reassurance for professionals in other fields, for employers and for the public.

'It demonstrates our members' proven expertise, skills and integrity and is no doubt one of the reasons that applications for ICF chartered status are at an all time high.

'Recent events which saw the UK's ash trees hit by Chalara fraxinea, or ash dieback, has shown the vital role of the professional forester or arboriculturist in managing our woodlands and trees and protecting them from this and other diseases and pests.'