A MAJOR new exhibition has opened at Dartmoor National Park Authority's High Moorland Visitor Centre in Princetown, celebrating the 60th anniversary of the designation of Dartmoor as a National Park.

The centrepiece of the exhibition is the King Way Cross.

Discovered by Ron's Ramblers, a group of walkers from Plymouth, the cross has been restored and a new base constructed by the park authority's conservation works team. The newly restored King Way Cross was unveiled by the Prince of Wales this month as part of the national park's 60th anniversary celebrations.

The cross will be on display as part of the exhibition until September 14, when it will be returned to the site of its discovery on northern Dartmoor.

The story of the discovery of the cross and its restoration by skilled craftspeople is told as part of the display, along with the stories of many great projects which describe the variety of work carried out by the park authority through partnerships.

Kevin Bishop, chief executive of Dartmoor National Park Authority, said: 'This exhibition demonstrates that national park status is much more than a label.

'It illustrates how the authority, in partnership with communities, individuals and agencies, is working to safeguard Dartmoor's special qualities, promote understanding and enjoyment, and ensure that sustainable development is achieved.'

The exhibition is at the High Moorland Visitor Centre's exhibition area, daily from 10am to 5pm. Entrance to the exhibition areas cost £1.50 for adults, £1 for children aged 7 to 16, free for children under 7, £3 for a family ticket and free for an education group.