A WEST Devon tourism organisation has been wound up, following its annual meeting last week.

Drake's Dartmoor has been running for nine years and has latterly been heavily involved in the development and successful introduction of Drake's Trail, the new off-road cycle trail between Plymouth and Tavistock and its walking and cycling spur routes around Yelverton.

At the end of 2009 the organisation will lose its project manager and before applying for further funding members felt it seemed wise to check the ongoing viability of the group.

Most members are part of the Dartmoor Partnership already, which fulfils most of Drake's Dartmoor's aims and objectives, although on a much bigger scale.

Duplication of support measures, organisation structures and events was another reason for the decision.

Members said they felt the strong links they had built up with each other and the local community and organisations over the previous nine years will last and continue to support the area and their businesses.

Vice chairman of Drake's Dartmoor, Carolyn Tiley of Barnabas House in Yelverton, said: 'Although it is a sad occasion, the members of Drake's Dartmoor can be proud of their achievements, and we will no doubt continue to keep in contact informally for mutual support in the future.

The same could be said for Drake's Trail and its benefits for the region, especially with last month's positive decision by Dartmoor National Park to grant permission for building the high bridge over the Walkham Valley, said Carolyn.

The group decided to offer the information board in the centre of Yelverton to West Devon Borough Council as an information point for Drake's Trail.

Bernard Green, chairman of Drake's Dartmoor, said: 'This should confirm Yelverton's position as the cycling hub for the area and the Drake's Trail project and its spur routes.

'This will in turn benefit all local businesses by attracting more visitors to the area.

'Supporting local businesses has been one of the key objectives at the heart of Drake's Dartmoor and hopefully this will be its lasting legacy.'