The long-awaited Darwin Gardens Millennium scheme will be officially launched this week.

And individuals, community groups and businesses will get the chance to dedicate stones and trees in their name as part of a Millennium maze.

The maze scheme is part of the plan to transform West View Park in Ilkley and was designed by Dr John Haigh.

It will consist of 1,000 flagstones, one for each year of the Millennium, and is based on the ancient flyfot symbol from the famous Swastika Stone on Ilkley Moor.

The maze map will go on display at the parish clerk's office at Ilkley Town Hall, where stones can be 'booked' for a donation of £5 per stone. All donors will receive a copy of the map, indicating the location of their stone.

After the maze is laid, the trustees hope to provide an opportunity for the stones to be personalised by the addition of suitable plaques.

Project leader Dr Peter Harnett said: "Special feature stones will be available to local societies, community groups and businesses for a donation of £25 and group donors will be able to arrange a date to be present at the laying of their stone."

The surroundings of the Millennium maze area will include 1,000 newly-planted native trees to form a wildlife hedge.

These hedgerow trees will also be available for personal dedication for a donation of £1 per plant.

Dr Harnett said: "In time these will grow together to form a complete community for wildlife and be a living reflection of how our individual contributions can co-operate for mutual benefit within the human community of our town."

The parish clerk's office will be open for personal callers between 10am and noon on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from October 1.

Donations to dedicate stones or trees can also be sent by post to The Secretary, Darwin Gardens Trust, Parish Clerk's Office, The Town Hall, Ilkley.

For further details ring Dr Harnett on 01943 601743. The email address is compos@richmond.premier.co.uk.

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