THE managing director of Dartmoor Railway has hailed the recent consultation day held in Okehampton's Simmons Park as a great success for the future plans of the railway.
John Hummel said the day had been 'very useful' in enabling staff to meet local people and discuss how the railway could be developed to the benefit of the community around Okehampton.
Mr Hummel said: 'We are currently preparing a bid for rail passenger grant funding to the Strategic Rail Authority, for an all year round Saturday and Sunday service to Exeter.
'We were able to use the event to distribute a questionnaire inviting comments on such a service, and received a very positive reaction.'
Mr Hummel said most people would use the service for shopping in Exeter, linking for longer distance journeys or for sport or entertainment purposes.
About two thirds of respondents would also be interested in a Saturday evening service in and out of Exeter, said Mr Hummel, who thanked everyone who took part in the survey.
All those who completed the questionnaire were entered into a free draw, the winner of which was Derek Moore, of Okehampton, who receives a copy of The Okehampton Line, worth £24.95.