MEMBERS of an action group formed last month to create a new footpath to link two ends of a West Devon village say they are delighted at the positive reaction to their project.

Mary Tavy Community Action Group has launched a fund to build the permissive path, which will run through the village recreation field and the adjacent two fields to Buller's Hill, by the Mary Tavy Inn.

The path will create a safe route between the northern and southern ends of the village, so people do not have to walk along the main A386, which has no pavements and is only partially lit by streetlamps.

The group is aiming to raise £2,500 to create the path — group member John Thacker said the fund already stands at £800 after just a week, from private donations, fundraising activities and local businesses who would be sponsoring specific parts of the work.

'We would like to thank everyone who has contributed so far for giving us such great start,' he said.

The group has also created a website, http://www.marytavyaction.org">www.marytavyaction.org where residents can keep up to date with the latest progress of the footpath plan.

It is hoped the work on the path, which will be carried out by local volunteers, will start shortly — the aim is for the path to be in use by Easter.

Anyone who wishes to make support the path fund can leave a donation at the collecting boxes at The Mary Tavy Inn or Mary Tavy Post Office.

For more information call John Thacker on 01822 810912 or email [email protected]">[email protected]