THE Ruby Country Partnership, which was facing a bleak future following the withdrawal of all major funding last year, has celebrated a re-launch of the project at its new home at the Cookworthy Forest Centre.

The scheme has now secured enough funds to keep it running for three years. Guests and representatives from across the county were at a special ceremony last month to celebrate the news.

A horse-drawn carriage with two horses and riders, three cyclists, a group of walkers and many supporters, including district councillors, county councillors and officers, together with many local residents, attended the event to highlight the visitor activity information in Ruby Country.

Guided tours of the offices at Cookworthy and an explanation of the various displays, were followed by refreshments of tea, coffee and biscuits.

Guests also enjoyed displays from Devon County Council, Devon Wildlife Trust and South West Lakes Trust.

The Ruby Country Hub@the Cookworthy Forest Centre, which is based between Holsworthy and Hatherleigh, will offer rented office facilities, hired training and meeting rooms, along with active Ruby Country exhibits.

Board member of the Ruby Country Partnership, Richard Reid, said he was excited about the move.

He said: 'The intention was to have an open day for people to see what we are up to and to look at the offices.

'We are trying to show what activities there are available in Ruby Country and point people in the right direction.

'What we are trying to do with the forestry is create a hub at Cookworthy Forest Centre.'

The new centre will also have representatives on hand at key times to offer help and advice.

Mr Reid added: 'It is an opportunity to make Ruby Country sustainable — we can't rely on public funding any more and we have to look at business opportunities for members to enjoy the benefits of their membership.

'We are sub-letting offices to members of the Ruby Country partnership and the money raised pays the rent for the forestry.'

Major work is also underway on a disused railway line, which will link Dartmoor with the country's longest off-road cycleway, which will run through Ruby Country.

The railway line from Thorndon Cross to Venndown Gate and on to Cookworthy Forest, is being transformed into a bridleway.

For more information on membership of the Ruby Country Partnership visit http://www.therubycountry.com">www.therubycountry.com