THE fight to get tourists back on Dartmoor had a major boost this week with the launch of a glossy new guide.

The publication provides much-needed support for Dartmoor's tourist industry in the wake of the foot and mouth crisis.

The new Dartmoor guide describes the moor as 'England's last wilderness', and aims to encourage visitors old and new to the area.

The guidebook has been published by the Dartmoor Tourist Association and was unveiled at a lunch at the Manor House Hotel in Moretonhampstead on Monday.

The Dartmoor Tourist Association's 40-page colour booklet aims to put this year's difficulties in the Dartmoor tourist industry aside, and concentrate all efforts on recovering business next year.

Adam Southwell, acting chair of the DTA, said: 'The message of the guide is that Dartmoor is here, it is open and it is a great place for a holiday.' He said the guide showed that Dartmoor had 'lovely countryside, sporting activities and wide open spaces' and captured a number of strong images of the moorland.

Mr Southwell said Dartmoor also had quality accommodation, with a friendly service: 'We have small individual businesses that cherish their guests and look after them, and all in stunning scenery.'

Mr Southwell said foot and mouth disease had been a disaster for DTA members but the new publication was about looking forward.

'We cannot change what has happened but we can change what is coming. Now we can be more ready for it,' he said.

Prof Ian Mercer, who chaired Devon's public inquiry into foot and mouth, was guest of honour at the launch. 'Witnesses at the inquiry focussed on the past, but I shall be delighted to join members of the DTA in focussing on the future,' he said.

The guide, entitled 'Dartmoor: a breath of fresh air', highlights the rugged beauty of Dartmoor and focusses on the high quality of visitor attractions and accommodation available — all set against the impressive backdrop of the moor.

There will be 60,000 copies of the 2002 guide produced for nationwide distribution. It will be marketed at travel shows and through tour operators.

The DTA guide was also supported and funded by West Devon Borough Council, Dartmoor National Park Authority, the South West of England Regional Development Agency and the European Regional Development Fund among others.