AN in-house computer-training programme run by members of a farm holidays co-operative has proved a runaway success.

Members of the co-operative, Devon Farms Accommodation, in a feedback survey on the project gave it a clear vote of confidence.

Eighty-four of Devon Farms Accommodation?s 130 members responded to the survey and their training requirement showed how far the industry has changed over the last 20 years.

Significant numbers wanted to learn more about areas that were virtually unheard of a decade ago ? a course on analysing your business through monitoring enquiries and bookings attracted 32% of members, a course on green tourism drew 38% and capitalising on your environment with farm and wildlife trails attracted 52%.

One surprise result was that 15% were interested in learning a language, mainly French or German, reflecting the growing number of visitors from the continent. Anecdotal evidence has shown that members who advertise abroad and flag up the fact they can speak German can obtain 50% of bookings from Germany or Holland.

Three members of Devon Farms Accommodation offered to teach languages.

And 92% gave a thumbs-up to a course run by other farmers, saying it was more informal and easier to ask questions concerning computers.

Course times and venues were flexible to suit individual businesses and members giving the courses could be contacted at any time to answer questions as they arose, the survey found.

The in-house training programme was funded by a £20,000 grant from the South West Regional Development Agency.

Devon Farms Accommodation is a co-operative of 130 farms involved in offering farm accommodation, B&B or self-catering.

West Devon members include Eggworthy Farm, Sampford Spiney; Knole Farm, Little Bidlake and Week Farm, Bridestowe; Hele Farm, Rubbytown Farm and Colcharton Farm, Gulworthy; Parsonage Farm, Iddesleigh; Higher Cadham, Jacobstowe, and Oakland Farm, Lower Nichols Nymet Farm and Cider Cottage, North Tawton.