AN Ilkley teenager is spearheading a new group formed to safeguard the future of three pre-historic stones which are in danger of losing their rare markings.

Ian Chamberlain, 18, met with parish councillors and residents on Tuesday evening to discuss saving the Panorama Stones, which currently nestle behind iron railings in St Margaret's Park, Queen's Road.

The committee's aim is to find a way to protect and preserve the cup-and-ring marked stones, which date from around 2800 to 500 BC.

It was agreed that Mr Chamberlain - who announced the project in the Ilkley Gazette last month - would chair the new committee, with parish councillor Brian Mann taking on the role of treasurer.

Parish council chairman Mike Gibbons, who attended the meeting, said the committee had discussed the possibility of keeping the stones at their current location and creating a heritage trail by linking them with others on Rombalds Moor.

"It was an initial meeting to form a committee and working group to progress the plan," he said. "There's considerable interest in developing the plan. The group is looking at the connection between these stones and other stones on the moor with a view to creating a kind of trail."

And he said although he would not be on the committee, the parish council would give the scheme its full support.

Dr Peter Harnett, the man behind the Darwin Gardens Millennium Green, was also at the meeting. He said: "I think it's first class. Every possible support should be given to Ian - it sounds a wonderful idea.

"He put in a lot of effort and ideas on the Darwin Gardens and I'm very pleased if I can give him some support in return. ."

District archaeologist Gavin Edwards put forward a proposal several years ago to have the stones moved to the Manor House Museum, at Castle Yard.

"I'm working in the interests of the stones themselves," he said. "As an archaeologist my main concern is for the carved rocks. They do need better protection.

"These are scheduled monuments. We are presently seeking advice from English Heritage as to which option they prefer."

Mr Chamberlain, a student, of Queen's Drive Lane, told the Gazette he was keen to see the stones kept at St Margaret's Park - but sheltered from the weather and with tourist signs nearby explaining their importance.

"I think it's now a matter of public opinion so I have started a petition to gauge that," he said. "Nearby residents see it as their local heritage. Why does everything have to be in the centre of town in terms of heritage?

"It's letters to the council that are needed now."