'A GREAT combined operation' — that is how former Royal Marine and West Devon and Torridge MP John Burnett reacted to the news that the area is in line for more than £100-million of European aid.

West Devon is on the shopping list of areas throughout the South West which look set to benefit from 'a bucketful of money' over the next seven years under Government proposals submitted to Europe.

But the £108-million will have to be matched by public and private funds and has yet to be approved by the European Commission.

Objective 2 funding is the final element in the Government's package of measures to regenerate regions with sparse and elderly populations dependent on declining industries and with limited economic activity.

Mr Burnett has spent a year talking to ministers and officials pressing the region's case along with many other representatives from Devon County Council, West Devon and the new Regional Development Agency who joined forces in a rural and urban alliance to plead for a slice of the cake.

He said the funding was a great opportunity to attract new investment and industry to all the areas in the Devon Arc and praised the 'cohesive' campaign waged by businesses, individuals, the local authorities and the media.

'They all deserve a mention in dispatches,' he told the Times. 'We had a real campaign — it was a great combined operation and I am convinced that meant a lot to ministers.

'They saw us working together, making the most of what we have got, sharing aspirations unselfishly and happy to work hard to promote our community.'

Mr Burnett said 'with a bit of luck' at least £300 million would fall into Devon's coffers over the next seven years helping to fund new by-passes for small towns and villages, flood prevention schemes and educational training.

'The region's declining agricultural industry could also benefit.

'We have top quality produce and the object of the exercise will be to process and market the produce for a niche market' he said.

'I hope the private sector will come forward with ideas and schemes. People can't complain now. Here is a bucketful of money and it is a chance for us to make the most of it.

'I want us to take up the challenge and be so successful that we won't have to bother applying again in 2006.'

Borough council chief executive David Incoll said: 'It is up to the European Union to agree the recommendation and the decision is expected by Christmas.

'What we must do is to spend the money wisely to encourage more jobs and better quality ones. There is a desperate need to provide more opportunities for younger people with the objective of keeping more of them here.'

West Devon councillor Noel Cartwright said he could not believe Europe would go against the Government's announcement.

'It is particularly helpful for West Devon that Torridge, North Devon and South Hams will also be designated,' he said. 'There are tremendous opportunities for joint working as the Agri-Bip prospect to support farmers is demonstrating.'

Amid the euphoria, Conservative spokesman for West Devon and Torridge, Ian Liddell-Grainger sounded a cautionary note.

'I am delighted for this constituency. But I am concerned that we get a fair deal and are not offered a poisoned chalice because we cannot match the funding.'