CAMPAIGNERS working to protect the surroundings of three ancient monuments from the effects of quarrying will recreate a 5,000-year-old ceremony this weekend.

They will carry an ancient axe on a 20-mile march between Catterick and Boroughbridge, an area considered by experts to be Britain's first great religious and ceremonial centre.

The march will focus on the triple henge monument at Thornborough, near Bedale, where the ceremonial axe was deposited millennia ago after being brought from Scotland.

Campaigners are following in the footsteps of ancient peoples who made pilgrimages to centres such as Thornborough, where there is widespread concern about proposals by Tarmac Northern to extend sand and gravel quarrying so that the future of its existing operation can be safeguarded.

The Sacred Vale Trail, a new tourism initiative, has been organised by George Chaplin, Thornborough group co-ordinator with the national body Heritage Action, and local businesses. It is supported by Heritage Action and the Council for British Archaeology.

Mr Chaplin said: "The march has been organised to show that this whole area is an important part of our local and national heritage and to underline concerns about quarrying."

Marchers will give an update on their campaign to Sir Richard Graham, of Norton Conyers Hall, near Ripon.

Bob Nicholson, Tarmac Northern's estates manager, said there was no conflict between Nosterfield Quarry and the idea of an education trail linking prehistoric sites.

"All we would ask of those involved if a large number are to visit Thornborough Henges is please respect the henges, they are very ancient earthworks and could be damaged by people climbing on them."

* See campaign update, page 24