FARM cream-teas, pub meal deals, banger and cider barbecues, money off deals at local food shops and a chef?s taster night at a top hotel are among the tasty options on the menu during the West Devon Food Fortnight Trail next month. More than 25 local businesses, from farms, to restaurants, pubs and shops are laying on the best eating and drinking experience available in the lead up to the Tavistock Food and Drink Festival. The West Devon Food Fortnight Trail starts on Tavistock Carnival day, Saturday July 15, with events happening every day, culminating in the weekend Food and Drink Festival on July 29 and July 30. The food trail takes in the spectacular scenery of West Devon, whether that is to enjoy a lunch in Chagford, a meal deal in North Tawton or a cream-tea in Lifton or Peter Tavy. There is also the chance to follow a guided tour around a cider farm, sampling the produce as you go, buy some locally grown organic produce at the village hall, or start the day with a Devon breakfast at Tavistock Market. West Devon Borough Council is leading the trail initiative in partnership with the Food and Drink Festival committee. The festival, now in its third year, is expected to attract more than 8,500 visitors and more than 100 exhibitors from Devon, Cornwall, Dorset and Somerset. The trail also links neatly to the Tavistock EatWise ? Eat Local Campaign, an initiative by Tavistock Forward, which has been helping to develop the market for locally produced food for Tavistock and its surrounding area. The campaign played a major role towards Tavistock winning the coveted Best West Country Food Town award and Best Overall Food Community in the South West award in April. West Devon mayor Cllr Peter Hill said the Food Trail and Festival was a unique opportunity to enjoy the very best of what West Devon had to offer. ?This is a super time of year to showcase what West Devon businesses can produce for both our residents and visitors,? said Cllr Hill. ?We have had such an encouraging response to the trail initiative from businesses and by working in partnership with the organisers of the festival, I?m sure it will be successful for all.? A brochure detailing the trail and events is being produced and will be available from Tourist Information Centres, council offices and libraries in the next few weeks. For further information about the trail, contact Robert Plumb, West Devon?s regeneration officer on 01822 813620 or e-mail: rplumb@ westdevon.gov.uk