Sponsorship helps National Park continue vital work

Dartmoor National Park has just received a new four wheel drive vehicle thanks to a sponsorship agreement with long established local company Ashburton Motor Works.

The new Isuzu D-Max is on a loan to the National Park on a twelve month agreement and will help Dartmoor Rangers carry out their work on all terrain and often in demanding conditions. As part of the agreement the vehicle will be serviced and taxed by Ashburton Motor Works.

Bill Hitchins, Chairman of Dartmoor National Park Authority said: 'Sponsorship agreements like this are vitally important for the future of the National Park as new ways need to be found to help fill the funding gap and continue to deliver for Dartmoor. Dartmoor has also had success securing other sponsorship agreements with the private sector including with outdoor equipment supplier Columbia who have provided uniforms for Rangers and staff, Sprayway clothing has been supplied for the Junior Ranger scheme and the John Lewis Partnership supplied a discounted big screen for the National Park Visitor Centre in Princetown.'

Mervyn Wills, Director of Ashburton Motor Works, Isuzu and Subaru dealers said:

'We are pleased to work with the Dartmoor National Park, an arrangement that suits both of us, they have a D-Max to carry out their work and we have the benefit of the vehicle being used with our name on it for advertising around Dartmoor and surrounding towns, it’s a good deal for both of us and an opportunity for the National Park to work with a local business.'

The new vehicle was officially handed over to Community & Landscape Management Ranger Rob Steemson at DNPA offices, Parke, Bovey Tracey.

Rob said:

'This is the second time that Ashburton Motor Works have kindly sponsored a vehicle predominantly for my use across Dartmoor. The previous Isuzu D-max vehicle was excellent during snow fall when as part of our emergency plan we carry local District Nurses out to vulnerable patients within Dartmoor communities. I would like to thank Ashburton Motor Works for their generosity in this donation. Having the right tools for the job is very important and I hope that this is the continuation of a long standing partnership between us.'