15971/2PAGANS have joined forces with the National Trust to set up the Avebury Guardians, in a bid to preserve and protect the stone circle and sacred sites.

The National Trust has extended an arm of friendship to the people who believe the stone circle at Avebury, West Kennet long barrow and Silbury Hill are important parts of their spiritual beliefs in the hope of sharing the task of caring for the ancient monuments.

At a special induction meeting at Avebury on Saturday some 25 people attended to learn what their new role will involve and how they can help protect the sacred sites for the future.

The pagans say they want to take the 'them' out of a potential 'us and them' situation.

Pagan priest Gordon Rimes said of his new role as Avebury Guardian: "We will talk about how we use Avebury as a spiritual temple. We will also be helping with everyday things such as litter picking and policing.

"We will also be helping with other jobs such as erosion control. Some of us are already doing this but the new scheme means pagans and the National Trust will be working more in partnership."

Self-styled pagans have a wide range of beliefs and practices but they share a feeling of reverence for the natural world, and like to celebrate key points in the cycle of the year.

Pagan Emma Cross, from Winterbourne Bassett, explained that the roots of the new scheme went back about two years when some local pagans signed up to be voluntary wardens.

She said: "There was an increasing realisation we were all working for the same thing. We all want to look after Avebury."

The new relationship will also allow possible points of conflict such as the summer solstice celebrations to be discussed with a view to the best management.

But you do not have to be a pagan to join the Avebury Guardians.

Nick Snashall, property archaeologist for the National Trust at Avebury, said: "Anyone is welcome to join. Among the pagans are people with very different beliefs, but we are all working together to care for Avebury."

If the scheme proves a success it would be introduced in other sacred sites such as Stonehenge and Glastonbury.

The Guardians will be caring for the Sanctuary and Overton Hill as well as the long barrow and the stone circle.

Anyone interested in joining the scheme should contact the National Trust on (01672) 539250 or turn up at a meeting of the Avebury Pagan Moot on the second Sunday of May at the Red Lion pub.