FOREST of Dean Commoners have prepared their case to be put the Government's Independent Forestry Review Panel, members of which are visiting the Dean next Monday.

Commoners officers will meet with other interested parties at a workshop to be held on Sunday. A special report which highlights all aspects of the case for the Dean to remain in public ownership has been prepared.

Commoners' secretary Mick Holder described the meeting with the panel as an important step forward in securing the future of the Dean for all time.

He said: "Our traditions and freedoms are well known. We have a strong case and we hope to impress on the panel members that we are not only sincere but determined to hold all that is dear to us for generations to come."

The Independent Review group will be led by the Bishop of Liverpool, the Rt Rev James Jones.

Commoners are this year celebrating 100 years since the formation of their association. A group of members met at Yorkley on Saturday to pick up commemorative mugs and plates which have been specially commissioned to mark the occasion.

"We have commissioned a limited edition of 50 mugs superbly made by Mary Rose Young at her studio at Parkend. As you would expect they are very colourful. I'm sure that it years to come they will become valuable collectors items," said Mr Holder.