FREE hedge-laying courses are being run on Dartmoor early in the New Year ? and anyone interested in taking part is advised to book early.

The courses at Manaton are being run by Dartmoor National Park Authority in partnership with the Devon Rural Skills Trust and will take place on January 7 and 8 and January 15 and 16.

Dave Hannaford, a master craftsman with the trust, will provide the training which involves working on a hedge above a stone-faced bank previously repaired during a dry stone walling course in September.

The hedge-laying courses are free of charge with priority for places going to those living and/or working on Dartmoor ? participants will be expected to attend and complete both days.

For further information and an application form, call Sue Halse at Dartmoor National Park on 01626 832093.