A NEW series of trails to promote Okehampton, Hatherleigh and Holsworthy are to be named after a local breed of cattle.
The Ruby Trails, which aim to give a boost to the local tourism and food industries, is the name being used to market the rural regeneration initiative ?The Upper Tamar Trails Project.?
Ruby also relates to the richness of the countryside and the autumn season which is the time of year when the area needs to attract more tourists.
The trails project is being pioneered by the Market and Coastal Towns Initiative in Hatherleigh, which has the potential to bring millions of pounds into the area.
The aim is to give new and existing businesses an opportunity to boost their business.
Hatherleigh Mayor Dennis Bater said the plan was to open the old spinal railway line between Hatherleigh and Holsworthy as a cycle trail and link it in with other cycleways from Halwill Junction, Lifton and Tavistock.
?The Ruby Trails and Ruby Country conjures up an image of jewels and we want to make this project the jewel in Devon?s crown,? he said.
?It is something that could benefit all small businesses, not just the B&B and food outlets.?
Mayor of Okehampton Christine Marsh said she attended a seminar on the project and was very impressed.
?I think what is great is that they are trying to get away from looking at individual communities and places and looking at Devon as a whole and the wider picture.
?Let?s get the tourists down here and show them what Devon has to offer in terms of wonderful countryside and delicious food.?