WORK on the Okehampton to Lydford section of the National Cycle Network has been started by Devon County Council which it hopes will help attract visitors back to the area following the foot and mouth crisis.

Mainly following the route of the disused railway line, the section will create 2km of new path between the former Bridestowe Station and Lydford by early April.

The new section will provide stunning views over Fernworthy Down, Dartmoor and Cornwall and enable cyclists to avoid the current strenuous on-road route.

Disabled parking will be provided at both ends of the path and the county council said considerable efforts have gone into ensuring that all gradients will be very gentle.

One particularly unusual feature of the path will be a ramp cut into the side of the rock face, to take people from the former railway up to road level at Lydford.

In response to local requests, the scheme also includes traffic calming measures at Lydford.

Cllr David Morrish, who is responsible for the environment on the council's executive committee, said by encouraging cycling and walking in the area, it was hoped the route would have an important effect on sustainable tourism and attract visitors back to an area badly hit by foot and mouth disease.

'At a recent meeting in London, Rural Affairs Minister Alun Michael expressed to me great interest in initiatives such as this which are taking place across the county in support of the Devon Recovery Plan,' he said.

'He was clearly impressed by the hard work and dedication in Devon to get the area back on its feet and promised to work with us and our partners on areas of the plan where his support would be welcome.'

Owner of Lydford House Hotel Judy Searle, who has given some land for the route to the county council, said she hoped her business and others would benefit from the cycle track.

'If we can get a quarter of the business that the Camel Trail gets we will be more than happy,' she said.

The Okehampton to Lydford cycle route has been developed by Devon County Council with support from the Regional Development Agency over the past five years.

With other projects coming to fruition the entire 15km route will be completed by Easter, with the exception of a short, 650m section.