THE historic role as Forest of Dean Deputy Gaveller has once again returned to the Howell family.

Daniel Howell, grandson of Albert Howell, for many years the Deputy Gaveller and who operated from a map-lined office in the Forestry Commission headquarters at Coleford, took over the role last week.

He says: "Historically the position of Deputy Gaveller has been held by gentlemen of near retirement. I intend to take this role storming into 2012 with fresh young eyes and heart-felt passion – all stemming from growing up around a freemining community.

"It is my absolute honour to serve, maintain and continue the preservation of the Dean's unique and ancient mining rights and customs and it is great that the Forestry Commission feels that this role is so important."

Mr Howell lived and grew up at Castlemain Mill, Parkend. He attended Lakers Comprehensive School and the Royal Forest of Dean College, later studying minerals surveying at The Camborne School of Mines in Cornwall.

He has spent the last 15 years working in the drilling and mining industry and has worked on the highly acclaimed Combe Down stone mines project in Bath.

Mr Howell's grandfather, the late Albert Howell MBE, was Deputy Gaveller from 1973 until 1994.

The role includes keeping the register of free miners and collecting mineral royalties on behalf of the Crown. The Deputy Gaveller oversees the grant of specific gales and defines the mineral and area that can be worked.

Free miners can work a gale anywhere in the Hundred of St Briavels for iron ore, stone or coal, the only restraint being they must not work under churchyards, gardens or orchards.