TOURISM in the Tamar Valley could benefit from a new organisation which has its inaugural meeting next Saturday, November 3.

Clive Poole, one of those involved in the setting-up of the new association, said that until now both the Devon and Cornwall sides of the Tamar Valley had lacked representation and a sense of identity in the tourism industry.

'To address this, local businesses are coming together to form a Tamar Valley Tourism Association which will represent rural tourism in the area and attract funding.'

Members who are involved in tourism or other support services are currently being sought from both sides of the river. There is already interest from businesses from Torpoint to Launceston, from Callington to Gulworthy and from the Bere Peninsula to Milton Abbot.

The association will aim to promote the valley as a tourism area, to promote higher standards in provision of goods and service, share good practice and promote sustainable tourism in the area.

An open meeting in July identified a need for such an association and, once formalised, it plans to seek funding from a range of agencies.

An early project will hopefully be to produce an effective website.

The inaugural meeting starts at 3.45pm and will be held at Cotehele House. To book a place or for further information contact Margaret Blake on 01822 833242, e-mail [email protected]">[email protected] or contact the Tamar Valley Service on 01822 610676.

Free entry to the estate during the afternoon will be offered to prospective members who have registered in advance.