A 'spectacularly successful year was hioghlighted at Tavistock and District Chamber of Commerce's recent annual meeting.

Chairman Nigel Eadie described 2011 as having been spectacular for the chamber, in spite of the enormous economic challenges businesses faced.

Among its many achievements, Mr Eadie singled out the setting up of a Business Improvement District (BID) in Tavistock, saying this had been 'strongly supported by the overwhelming majority of businesses in the town centre'.

He reminded members that the setting up of the BID was primarily as a result of the vision and hard work of chamber members.

'In other places, such as Exeter similar proposals had failed dismally,' said Mr Eadie.  

He believed Tavistock's success was due to 'meaningful consultation with the local community, throughout the whole of the BID process.'  

Mr Eadie said: 'We now look forward to working closely with the BID company as it implements the projects in the agreed business plan.'

Mr Gerald Williamson, the chamber's long-serving president, presided over the election of the chamber's officers:  Nigel Eadie was re-elected as chairman, Graeme Sim, as vice-chairman, Natasha Church as secretary and Graham Skedgell as treasurer and part-time administrator.