A NEW booking service and on-line vacancy system for farm holidays was the focus of attention at a meeting in Tiverton last week.

More than 100 people attended the open day organised by Devon Farms, a co-operative of high quality farm holiday accommodation in the county.

The new booking service and on-line system was developed with funding from Devon County Council and launched at the open day by Sandra Collins, of Devon Tourism.

Guest speaker was NFU regional director and Devon Farms patron Anthony Gibson.

He praised the co-operative for its success on drawing together everything good about Devon: the beauty of the countryside, delicious local produce and high quality accommodation. It was, he said, a "winning combination'.

The major aim of the day was to introduce potential new members to Devon Farms. Much interest was shown by existing operators and farming couples considering diversifying into farm accommodation.

Jackie Payne, chairman of Devon Farms, said the open day illustrated the renewed interest in farm accommodation as a viable diversification.

'However, it is counter-productive for the industry as a whole for farms to be encouraged through capital grants to diversify without matching this with serious money being put into marketing the rural product at both county and local level.'

Mrs Payne said the increase in bookings experienced by many members might be a one-off as a reaction to the closure of the countryside during last year's foot and mouth crisis.

'We are advising members to reinvest wisely in upgrading the quality of their accommodation while the opportunity exists,' she added.

The Devon Farms co-operative has 110 members. Those in West Devon include Knole Farm, Little Bidlake Barns and Week Farm at Bridestowe; Hele Farm, Rubbytown Farm and Colcharton Farm at Gulworthy; Beera Farm, Milton Abbot; The Cider House, Lifton, and Eggworthy Farm, Sampford Spiney.