CONSTRUCTION of a stunning new bridge across the Walkham Valley this week got the green light, following a substantial injection of cash from Europe.

Gem Bridge will span the steep valley at Grenofen, linking the Drake's Trail cycle path on either side of the River Walkham.

The grant of £600,000 of European funding, to establish cycling tourism links between the county and France, was secured by Devon County Council after two years of work on the scheme with Brittany Regional Council.

Cllr Philip Sanders, Devon County member for Yelverton Rural, said: 'It's excellent to see this project moving towards completion, helping to make a better future for Devon and its economy, and in such a sustainable way.

'A project like this takes years to develop so I am pleased to hear of this major milestone being passed.'

Subject to appointing a contractor at the right price, work can start on the bridge this autumn.

Once the bridge is in place, the only remaining piece of the Drake's Trail cycle route from Tavistock to Plymouth to complete will be the re-opening of Grenofen Tunnel. Drake's Trail forms part of the National Cycle Network and could eventually become part of the Europe-wide Eurovelo network.

The proposed 200-metre long and 24-metre high bridge would connect Dartmoor National Park with Plymouth and offer spectacular views of Dartmoor and the Walkham Valley.

It will also provide traffic-free access to the National Park, and link Tavistock and Grenofen with Horrabridge, Yelverton and Plymouth.

Cllr Stuart Hughes, county council cabinet member for highways, said: 'There is enormous potential for cycling in Devon and we want the county to become one of Europe's premier destinations for cycling tourism.

'There are mutual benefits from working with our partners in this country and across the Channel and this injection of funding will help us improve the county's cycling infrastructure so that local cyclists as well as visitors will benefit.'

Cllr William Mumford, cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: 'Attracting visitors for cycling holidays is a great way to support local businesses, and this additional funding from the EU will help us continue to raise the profile of Devon as a holiday destination.

'It also makes sense to be working closely with our neighbours in Brittany, who are only half as far away as London.'

Graham Cornish, the county's cycle project officer, said the funding was 'excellent' news.

He said tenders were still being sought but as long as a suitable price was obtained, construction could go ahead with the bridge being opened for use by January 2012.

'To help secure the project we have taken all the landscaping out of the contract to save money, so we are planning a large barbecue for about 200 people to help us with the tree planting, followed by the opening event,' said Mr Cornish.

Devon County Council is leading the English side of a partnership which includes Cornwall, Plymouth, Dorset and Poole Councils and South West Tourism. Sustrans is working with Brittany Regional Council, Normany Regional Council and eleven Conseil Regionales in developing the cross-channel programme.

The French partners are discussing ideas with ferry companies to increase the number of people using ferries for cycling holidays. Free carriage of bicycles is being investigated.

Other measures included as part of the cross-channel cycling programme are co-ordinated signing and mapping of recommended routes.