A TOURISM group set up to promote the West Devon area around Yelverton has appointed a pilot project manager to promote its business. Julie Moore will take up her post with Drake's Dartmoor this week, supported in her role by chairman Howard Boulter and the management committee. 'We are very happy that Mrs Moore has accepted this position,'said Mr Boulter. 'We are very grateful to our funding partners for this opportunity to take forward our plans to enhance business opportunities in the Yelverton area whilst safeguarding our beautiful surroundings.' Mrs Moore will be responsible for strengthening the role of Drake's Dartmoor with the local community, government agencies and visitors to the area. Coming from a background in journalism and with a strong involvement within the rural sector, she said she was looking forward to the challenge. 'My aim is to support sustainable tourism in this area of outstanding natural beauty, attracting more visitors to experience all that is on offer with care and sensitivity. 'I am confident that local businesses and the community will benefit from this project,' said Mrs Moore. Based in Yelverton, Drake's Dartmoor was originally set up to represent a wide diversity of rural businesses, interested in tourism, situated in and around Yelverton. The group has been successful in raising awareness of the area as a good place in which to work, live and visit and allows its members to speak with one voice to decision makers who deal with tourism, access and countryside matters. Funding from West Devon Borough Council and the Dartmoor National Park Sustainable Tourism Fund has recently been confirmed, enabling the group to continue to support and promote Drake's Trail, part of the National Cycle Network Route 27. Any local resident or business wishing to join Drake's Dartmoor may email [email protected]">[email protected] or for more information about the group visit http://www.drakesdartmoor.co.uk">www.drakesdartmoor.co.uk