AMID heavy rain and Dartmoor mist, the first granite menhir to be erected on the moor since ancient times was dedicated near Princetown during the winter solstice.
The Touchstone is the brainchild of former Dartmoor Prison governor John Powls, whose specially written poem is inscribed on the 9ft high piece of granite.
The Millennium menhir was dedicated by Lydia Corbett, an artist and former model for Picasso, who lives in South Brent.
The two ton piece of granite tapers towards the top and its shape, dimensions and material closely resembles the standing stones erected during the Megalithic period to commemorate major events or significant people.
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Senior civil servant John Powls has written poetry for over 25 years.
His first collection of poetry entitled Dartmoor Dreams was published in 1995 — he also featured in the Westcountry TV production 'Faces of Dartmoor'.
l Lydia Corbett and John Powls at the winter solstice dedication ceremony of the Touchstone, a Millennium menhir.