A SOUTH Zeal man has been re-elected to the chairmanship of Dartmoor National Park Authority for the fifth year running.

Bill Cann, a Devon County Council appointee, was first elected chairman in 1997. He has been an Independent councillor for Hatherleigh and Chagford for more than 20 years and chairman of South Tawton Parish Council for more than 25 years.

Dartmoor farmer Maurice Retallick was re-elected as the DNPA's deputy chairman.

Two West Devon residents have been newly appointed to the authority.

The current mayor of West Devon Cllr Richard Phillips, an organic farmer living at Grenofen, has been appointed by West Devon Borough Council.

And John Elson, proprietor of Okehampton Youth Hostel, has been appointed to the DNPA by the secretary of state for a three year term.

Mr Elson, who lives in Okehampton, is a keen climber and walker and has been a member of the Dartmoor Rescue Group for 13 years.

Dartmoor National Park Authority has 26 members. Seven are appointed by the county council, three by West Devon and Teignbridge councils and one by South Hams council.

The secretary of state appoints 12 members, five of whom are drawn from parish councils on Dartmoor, the remaining seven bringing specific knowledge and expertise to the work of the authority.