CAMPAIGNERS are celebrating after being told a new independent body would be set up to run the Forest of the Dean.

HOOF chairman Rich Daniels said all those who had come out in the snow to stand on Speech House field had saved the Forest for future generations.

"This new body will be what the Forestry Commission migrates into and it will hold the public Forest estate in trust for the nation," he said.

"Basically it will be free from political interference so nobody can come along in 10 years' time and try to sell it off.

"I call that a very positive result and it vindicates all those people who came out in the cold and snow to stand on the Speech House field two years ago."

Environment Secretary Owen Paterson also announced an extra £3 million for the Forestry Commission to make up for the loss of land sales.

Campaigners would help shape the new body over the next two years and it would run alongside the Forestry Commission.

See this week's Forester for full story