THE 12th annual Dartmoor Society Award was presented to Elisabeth Stanbrook at the society's annual meeting at Belstone on Sunday.

The award is made annually to individuals or groups who, in the opinion of the society, have made a special contribution to Dartmoor.

The award is in the form of a uniquely crafted ceramic plate made by potter Penny Simpson, of Moretonhampstead, and calligrapher Susanne Haines, of Bovey Tracey.

The plate is inscribed with the words, 'The Dartmoor Society Award 2009 — for Elisabeth Stanbrook, creator and editor of Dartmoor Magazine 1985-2008'.

Elisabeth Stanbrook has been recognised for her 'remarkable' achievement of establishing and maintaining the quarterly Dartmoor Magazine for almost 23 years.

Under her editorship the magazine went from strength to strength, coping with rapid technological changes in the publishing and printing world.

Initially produced in black and white with a blue-bordered cover, a colour cover was added in autumn 1987 and a full-colour version appeared in the winter of 2000, on the 15th anniversary of the magazine.

In making the presentation on behalf of all members of the society, Geoffrey Wrayford said the magazine was the product of 'a young woman with a brilliant idea'.

'What she has given to lovers of Dartmoor over nearly a quarter of a century is immeasurable.'

Dr Tom Greeves, chairman of the society, said: 'The creation of this magazine filled a yawning gap in Dartmoor publications and catered for a readership eager to learn more about this fascinating part of the world.

'The huge body of Dartmoor material which the magazine contains is of tremendous value to present and future writers and historians, and is without parallel in terms of Dartmoor literature.

'The quality and design of the magazine has been much admired, as have Elisabeth's own beautiful photographs.

'Readers also appreciated her editorial comment, which always sought out accurate information about what was happening on Dartmoor and did not shy away from a balanced presentation of controversial issues such as swaling and vegetation management.'

The Dartmoor Society, a registered charity, was formed in 1998 to be 'an independent voice and a forum for debate for those who find Dartmoor a source of livelihood or inspiration'.

Its charitable objects are primarily educational in the broadest sense.

The Dartmoor Society Award has been presented annually since 1998.