A FIELD of 150 runners took part in the Ruby Run half-marathon between Hatherleigh and Holsworthy last weekend.

Cllr Dennis Bater, who was involved in organising the event, said everyone had been very pleased with its success. ?It went very well. We have had a good response back from the people who took part and thoroughly enjoyed it,? he said.

On a hot Sunday afternoon four water stations were manned along the 13.1-mile route to provide much needed refreshment for the runners.

Among the field were two runners from South Africa and veterans of international events such as the Paris marathon.

Cllr Bater said organisers already had a ?positive? feeling about next year?s event, which will reverse the route and run from Holsworthy to Hatherleigh, initial preparations for which will get underway in the coming weeks.

The half marathon was staged to celebrate the launch of a collection of Ruby Country Trails.

l The Ruby Country Initiative are holding a series of guided walks on Ruby Country Trails through the week. A choice of two routes on the footpaths around Hatherleigh will be on offer tonight (Thursday). The walks will start from the sheep statue in the town at 6.30pm.

Each guided trail allows the visitor to taste the delights of the Ruby Country, winding through woodlands, across splendid viewing points and along the many meandering rivers. Where possible the circular trails start within towns and villages and range from one to seven miles in length.

The week-long programme of events will culminate with the Ruby Country Fete at Cookworthy Forest Centre, near Halwill Junction.

The fete on Saturday offers a chance to taste tempting Ruby treats with a barbecue run by Clawton Young Farmers, including buffalo burgers, venison and ruby red steaks plus vegetarian options. From 2pm until 6pm the fete will have children?s entertainment and live music. Local crafts and produce will also be available.

A raffle to win a Ruby food hamper packed with mouthwatering local produce will be free to enter for all guests and those with a head for heights can also have a chance to win a flight over the spectacular Ruby Country in a hot air balloon.

The Ruby Country initiative is a rural regeneration project in North West Devon surrounding the towns of Hatherleigh and Holsworthy, and many villages and hamlets.

Core funding for The Ruby Initiative came from a grant from the North West Devon LEADER + fund, supported by funding contributions by Torridge District Council, West Devon Council, Devon Wildlife Trust Devon County Council and others.

Ruby Country takes its name from the area?s red ruby cattle, which have a long proud history. It was this hardy, docile beef cow, with its rich red coat, that the Pilgrim Fathers chose to take and farm in America.