'CHALLENGING' was how 2008 was summed up by the chairman of Tavistock Chamber of Commerce during the group's annual meeting last week.

Nigel Eadie said the chamber had taken 'huge steps forward' during the last 12 months.

'It has been one of the most challenging years for a very long time, but it has also been a year when the chamber has stepped up to the mark, and met those challenges head on,' said Mr Eadie.

Regarding the proposals for two new supermarkets on the edge of the town — Lidl, which has gained planning consent, and Sainsbury's, which is appealing against a refusal of consent, Mr Eadie said: 'I believe that in fighting these proposals, we have provided the lead that many people have been looking for.

'We intend to continue to defend our award-winning town at Sainsbury's planning appeal inquiry in April, because we believe that what people most value about Tavistock will be put very much at risk if Sainsbury's gets its way, against the wishes of local people.'

Mr Eadie also said that the chamber intended to continue its campaign to encourage more businesses, large and small, national and local, to join its ranks.

'Our membership has risen enormously during the last year.

'We intend to build on that success, because we believe that in the present difficult economic climate, there is a greater need than ever for businesses to work together,' he said.

Mr Eadie said he was particularly pleased that the chamber had forged much better working relationship both with the town council and the borough council.

'Without their help we would not have been able to do some of the things we have done. We hope we will be able to continue to work together, in the interests of the town and area, during 2009.'

The chamber voted unanimously to elect the following members to serve on its executive committee: Nigel Eadie, chairman; Georgina Elias, vice chairman; Tim Burston, treasurer; Natasha Church, secretary and Graham Skedgell, membership secretary.