Marshals return to patrol Dartmoor over summer

Marshals are heading out onto Dartmoor to help rangers during the summer months

Marshals are heading out on to Dartmoor to help tackle anti-social behaviour and speak to visitors in the national park.

Bosses said the marshals had become an "invaluable resource" by helping rangers during the busiest months of the year over the summer.

It is the sixth consecutive year the marshals have been deployed on the moor and they will be on patrol until mid-September.

The park said the marshals had spent more than 910 hours patrolling the moor last year and had dealt with "fly camping", when campers leave equipment or food behind, open fires, dogs off leads and they had stopped a rave on at least one occasion.

Simon Lee, Dartmoor National Park's head ranger, said: "Like Rangers, marshals bring valuable experience and skills in dealing with sensitive situations but are also there to help and advise, so people have safe and memorable visits."

The marshals were funded through a partnership involving Devon and Cornwall's Police and Crime Commissioner, the National Trust, Forestry England, Duchy of Cornwall, South West Lakes Trust, Dartmoor Common Owners Association and private landowners.