THE Tamar Valley Line Carnet rail ticket scheme has hit another landmark with its 25,000th sale.

Introduced in June 2004, the carnets are discounted books of ten for travel on the scenic Plymouth to Gunnislake line, and are only sold at participating local shops and post offices along the route.

The scheme has proved popular since its inception and sales have steadily increased helping to increase business on the line and supporting local shops and post offices at the same time.

John Brown, who owns John Brown's Stores in Bere Ferrers and who has been a retailer from the beginning of the scheme, said: 'I am very pleased to sell the Carnet tickets in the shop and help support our vital local railway.'

Rebecca Catterall of the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership said: 'The carnets have helped increase passenger numbers on the Tamar Valley Line by more than 50 per cent.

'Carnets have proved popular because of their flexibility and ease of use and the fact that the tickets are sold in local shops and post offices in the Tamar Valley.'

Tamar Valley Line Carnet tickets are also on sale at Margaret's Hairdressing in Bere Ferrers, Bere Alston Post Office, Levines in Calstock, Pearce's Service Station at Drakewalls and Gunnislake Post Office.