YORK-BORN MP Frank Dobson returned home today to officially open a new community wood.

The designation of Hagg Wood, in Dunnington, York, as a community woodland was the end of seven years of campaigning by local residents and the Friends of Hagg Wood.

The campaign to keep the site as a publicly-managed beauty spot was sparked by fears it would be sold off and closed to the public.

Mr Dobson, a former Health Secretary and former contender to become Mayor of London, said: "I am delighted to be here to join with local people to see Hagg Wood launched as a community woodland. It brings to fruition long years of effort by the Friends of Hagg Wood, backed up by the local Selby MP, John Grogan.

"This all started off when public access to the wood was threatened. As I was born within 250 yards of the wood, first brought here on the shoulders of my grandfather, played here as a child and have had the pleasure of bringing my own children and grandchildren, I was determined to help stop that happening."

He said: "That battle was won and now we are going one better with improved access. I hope children and young people get as much enjoyment, generally innocent, as I had here.

"I know older people will find it a place of peace and quiet."

The designation of Hagg Wood as a community woodland, which will mean local people will be involved in the management of the attraction, was made possible by an historic agreement between the Forestry Commission and the landowners, the Church Commissioners.

Mr Dobson, who still has a cottage near Hagg Wood, was unveiling a new sign for the woodland at the launch ceremony at the end of Intake Lane, Dunnington.

Selby MP John Grogan was also expected to be present, along with Andrew Smith, the Forestry Commission's district manager, and Geoff Hatfield, Forest Enterprise's chief executive for England.

Updated: 09:47 Monday, May 05, 2003