OVER a 100 sites in the Dartmoor National Park have benefited from work carried out under the Moor Care Programme since its launch in 1996.

And further restoration works and repairs are being carried out this year thanks to additional funding which will allow the programme to continue until 2001.

Local contractors are employed to carry out a variety of works from riverbank repairs to path restoration.

Sites are monitored after work is completed but settlement can occur after earthworks and cross ditches and drains can rapidly fill with loose soil and sediment.

In order to prevent recurring problems, such sites are to be monitored by newly-appointed lengthsman Martyn Lansley to work as part of the Moor Care team.

Sue Halse, Moor Care project officer, said: 'Martyn's work will be very effective in maintaining and establishing Moor Care sites.

'As he goes about his work he will be able to promote Moor Care messages to those using Dartmoor and should prove a useful ambassador for the programme.'