SUPPORT is growing locally and nationally for a campaign to reopen a redundant railway line near Okehampton for horseriders, walkers and cyclists, boosting green tourism in the area.

South West Riders was formed earlier this year to address the problem of safely accessing existing bridleways leading off the A3079 which had become far too dangerous to ride, cycle and walk along.

But what began as a local safety issue has now grown into a major campaign to create a route of national importance which could inject millions of pounds into the local economy.

The key is the reopening of the disused railway line which runs parallel to the A3079 and a series of overgrown bridleways which cannot currently be accessed.

Campaigners see the potential route as a main artery to a network of bridlepaths which stretch across the country.

Since an article appeared in the Okehampton Times in August, South West Riders say they have been overwhelmed by the public response and support for the idea.

Member Chris Ingram said: ?Businesses are realising the potential and forward thinking landowners who can see the benefits of bringing green tourism to their doorsteps thus enabling the farming community to diversify into areas such as livery, bed and breakfast for humans and horses, crafts and so on.

?The large local riding community, which is constantly growing, has offered its support along with long distance endurance riders and other like-minded people from as far afield as Windsor, Hertfordshire, Lancashire and Dorset.?

The idea has also gained positive feedback from the county, district and parish councils, the British Horse Society, the police, West Devon and Torridge MP John Burnett and the National Farmers? Union.

An initiative called the ?Ruby Trails?, which aims to create a series of tourism trails between Holsworthy and Hatherleigh to promote the beauty of the local countryside, local food schemes and businesses, is planning to utilise the disused railway line in the Holsworthy/Hatherleigh/Halwill area.

Mrs Ingram said parts of the line had already been purchased which connected up with the area South West Riders was originally concerned with, namely Venn Down Gates via Thorndon Cross to Meldon which would open up Dartmoor.

She added that although the idea was initiated by horse riders, they would like this facility to benefit walkers and riders as well, and a designated bridleway catered for all three.

South West Riders are setting up a fund for donations to help them progress the campaign. Anyone interested should call Chris Ingram on 01837 871403 or Lynne Hughes on 01837 871231.

A spokeswoman for Devon County Council said the authority was very much in favour of anything that could help the horseriding network and encourage sustainable transport.

?There are not a great deal of bridle routes in Devon at the present time and we are supportive of an idea which makes routes safer for the passage of horses, not to mention the economical benefits and links to the National Cycle Network.?