CONSERVATIVE Geoffrey Cox became a guard for a day when he visited the Dartmoor Railway.

Mr Cox, who is the Tories? prospective parliamentary candidate for West Devon and Torridge, visited the railway to learn of the new development down the line from general manager David Payne and community liaison officer John Love.

Mr Cox said the Dartmoor Railway was an important piece of the jigsaw in Okehampton?s future development: ?We must do everything we can to ensure it succeeds. I was glad to learn of the new and exciting developments our very own community railway is undergoing.

?But it is also important that Devon County Council, the RDA and other agencies recognise the huge potential value to the whole area of a fully functioning train link to Exeter and back the project firmly.?

Mr Cox said he enjoyed the experience and was impressed with the professional approach of the staff and vounteers. He was carefully supervised when with the driver in his cab and when waving the green flag and blowing the whistle to set off.