YOUNGSTERS can mark the new Millennium by making a special pledge to Dartmoor.

The Dartmoor Preservation Association is urging young people aged 18 and under to 'Pledge a Pound for Dartmoor' — the funds will be put towards specific conservation projects on the moor during the year 2000.

John Bainbridge, chief executive of the DPA, said: 'The future of the wild Dartmoor we know and love depends on the care and commitment of the new generation in this new century.

'More young people than ever before are enjoying the moor and we know that they are environmentally aware in a way no generation has been before.'

Mr Bainbridge said the Association wanted to focus this commitment into specific projects, which the younger members of the DPA will decide themselves.

'As a thank you for their concern, every young person who donates a pound to the campaign will receive membership of the DPA for the whole of the year 2000 at no extra charge,' he said.

Youngsters wishing to participate in the scheme are invited to send £1 to the DPA at Old Duchy Hotel, Princetown, Yelverton, Devon PL20 6QF with their name, address and date of birth.

Dartmoor Preservation Association is a conservation group founded in 1883 — it now has 2,500 members.