FIFTY years of Dartmoor holding National Park status will be celebrated with a series of energetic events next Wednesday (August 15).

A number of free walks and events will be led by Dartmoor's Ranger Service. They will provide not only a chance to celebrate the wild and beautiful moor landscape but also give an insight into the work of the Ranger Service.

The finishing point for all the walks will be Princetown, where a cream tea will be on offer for all those taking part.

Dartmoor was given National Park status in 1951, and this year marks the 50th anniversary of that designation.

The five events taking place on August 15, are as follows:

A six-hour walk across wild open moorland to Princetown, meeting at Okehampton Station, at 9.30am for transportation to the start of the walk;

A five-hour walk via Burrator Reservoir to Princetown meeting at Yelverton;

A four-and-a-half hour Ranger Ralph Club work party clearing leats will meet at 10am at Venford Reservoir;

A five-hour cycle ride to Princetown meeting at 10am in Coypool park and ride in Plymouth;

A five-hour walk via the East Dart Valley and Broad Down to Princetown meeting at 10.30am at Postbridge.

Nick Atkinson, Dartmoor National Park chief executive, said: 'There are no better people to lead these activities on Dartmoor than the authority's Rangers.

'Now that foot and mouth disease is thankfully a receding spectre, energy can again be devoted to celebrating the 50th anniversary with a commitment to build upon all of the experience and understanding of the years since 1951 to provide a National Park truly for all to benefit,' added Mr Atkinson.

Places are limited, so booking is essential. For further information or to book a place, telephone the Park Authority's information hotline on (01822) 890414.