BUSINESSES in a West Devon village have come together in a bid to boost the local economy.

The Yelverton Tourism Group: Drake's Dartmoor includes more than 20 local businessmen and women who want to provide a shot in the arm to an area sometimes viewed as merely a gateway to the moor.

David Richards, a guesthouse owner from Yelverton, who is chairman of the group, was delighted with the response to the inaugural meeting at Knightstone Team Rooms last Wednesday.

He said: 'The group contains a wide range of interests from tourist attractions to accommodation providers.

'It was encouraging too, to have groups with a general interest in the success of the area, rather than simply a commercial interest.

'This is good news because it shows people are prepared to pool their resources and talents for the greater benefit of the area.'

The new committee is now investigating ways to exploit links with one of British history's most famous sea-going figures, Sir Francis Drake.

Ideas include the creation of a Drake's Dartmoor website, new visitor information points and a range of maps and guides for walkers and cyclists.

Mr Richards said: 'Yelverton provides a fascinating place for the visitor. There's Sir Francis Drake's old home at Buckland Abbey as well as a host of walks centred on his work around West Dartmoor, including following the course of his innovative leat.

'We also have one of the best gardens in the entire country in The Garden House — where Drake played bowls — as well as catering establishments and a conference centre.'

Mr Richards said there was also an 'incredible' variety of quality accommodation in the area.

'Now the Yelverton Tourism Group: Drake's Dartmoor can really forge ahead with promoting all this as a top quality visitor attraction for the forthcoming tourist season,' said Mr Richards.

Secretary of the new group is Barbara Greig, who also owns a guesthouse in Yelverton.

She was 'really pleased' with the turnout at the inaugural meeting and hoped everyone in the area would benefit, not just tourist-based businesses.

She said that too often people motored straight onto Dartmoor without stopping to take advantage of the walks and attractions around Yelverton.

She said: 'We feel it's a way of showing off our side of the moor, not just for the visitor but people who live here too.

'We're trying to bring together all the business and local people in an effort to raise awareness of our area,' said Mrs Greig.

Stuart Fraser, Drake's Dartmoor vice-chairman, said: 'Everybody felt there was a gap in the market, specially for this edge of Dartmoor — everybody agreed we'd got things going for us here.'

A membership fee is being charged to raise funds — and the group is hoping to attract new Objective 2 funding from Europe.

Mr Fraser said an associate membership is also available.

'This is so groups in the Yelverton area which aren't necessarily a business can still belong, for example, one of our members is Yelverton History Group,' said Mr Fraser.

Any business in the Yelverton area who would like to get involved in the group should call 01822 854769 for more information.