FARMERS thinking of providing holiday accommodation can get expert advice at an open day in Devon next month.

The event, at Rattery Village Hall, near South Brent, is being organised by farm holiday co-operative Devon Farms Accommodation.

Farmers considering providing guest accommodation or those who already do so, will be able to see what the co-operative does in terms of marketing, training, research and promotion for its 120 members.

The open day, which is from 11am to 3pm on Wednesday March 5, includes a free buffet lunch of home cooked local produce prepared by Devon Farms members.

Guest speakers include Sally Pritchard, green tourism officer from South Hams District Council.

Devon Farms chairman Fiona Waterer said: ?The purpose of the day is to provide help, advice and ideas for our own members and any other farmers who may be thinking of joining us.

?But we also want to keep abreast of new tourism concepts, thus our interest in green tourism and how we can make greater use of our environment to add value to our product.?

The event will include numerous exhibition stands and Devon Farms members will be available to give advice to potential members. Representatives from South West Tourism will be there to discuss quality grading standards for farmhouse accommodation.

The Devon Farms co-operative, widely regarded as a dynamic farm holiday group, embraces state of the art technology while promoting good quality accommodation, home cooked food and a warm Devon welcome for guests.

Local members of Devon Farms include Knole Farm, Little Bidlake Barns and Week Farm at Bridestowe; Hele Farm, Rubbytown Farm and Colcharton Farm at Gulworthy; Beera Farm, Milton Abbot; The Cider House, Lifton, and Eggworthy Farm, Sampford Spiney.

For further information about the open day contact Helen Hitt, Devon Farms secretary, on 01884 277326.