A GROUP of farmers' wives from West Devon were praised to the skies by the area's MP on Monday when he launched a new holiday accommodation website.

John Burnett released helium-filled balloons to mark the new facility for Dartmoor and West Devon Farm Accommodation, a group of ten working farms offering quality holiday bases.

Mr Burnett congratulated the group and said they were leading the way in showing how the tourist industry could adapt to a changing market with the growth of second holidays and winter breaks.

'Tourism is well up on two years ago and looking great for the future — and that is thanks to the high standards, resourcefulness and imagination set by this group,' he said.

One of the balloons released by the MP carried an offer of a free night's accommodation at one of the farms.

The launch was held at Knole Farm, Bridestowe, the home of group member Mavis Bickle, and attended by other members. Also present was Devon County Council chairman Mary Strudwick, and West Devon mayor Richard Phillips.

The ten farms are Knole, Little Bidlake and Week at Bridestowe, Henford Barton at Ashwater, Frankaborough at Broadwoodwidger, Colcharton, Hele and Rubbytown at Gulworthy, New Court at Lamerton and Beera at Milton Abbot.