BERE Alston farmer Stan Sherrell has been elected president of the newly re-formed Tamar Valley Preservation Association.

Mr Sherrell, 75, of Hole Farm, is well-known for his interest in local history and his contribution to the village's successful local history group over many years.

The association has become active again, after a break of more than 25 years, because of concerns over planning applications proposing development in the Tamar Valley and is approaching other organisations in the area as part of a networking exercise.

The late Ian Merry, of Bere Alston, an accomplished local historian, was formerly the figurehead of the organisation for many years.

He wrote two books on the Tamar, 'The Shipping of the Tamar Valley' and 'The Westcotts and Their Times.'

The new association is being run as a small charity and has a constitution based on the Charity Commission model.

Membership is open to all by emailing [email protected]">[email protected] with your name, postal address, telephone number and a return email address.