A WEST Devon company is celebrating a £10,000 grant to help it establish a new tourism enterprise on Dartmoor.

Moors Tours is the dreamchild of CHICKS (Trading) Limited based at Milton Abbot.

It will provide minibus tours on and around the moor — a guide will tell visitors of the myths and legends of the areas they visit.

CHICKS say the £10,000 grant from the Key Fund, which administers grants from Europe and central government, will help with the publicity, marketing and training costs of the new venture.

Roy Endacott, executive director of CHICKS (Trading) Ltd said: 'We've heard a lot about businesses on and around the moor suffering in the wake of the foot and mouth crisis.

'These tours are designed to help in a practical way by attracting more visitors to the area but without adding to the number of walkers or cars on the moor.'

Mr Endacott said visitors would gain a unique experience of the moor, in a leisurely way.

All profits made by Moors Tours will be covenanted to CHICKS, the children's charity Country Holidays for Inner City Kids.

Mr Endacott said: 'This really is a win, win scenario. Tourists, businesses and underprivileged children will all benefit from this exciting new enterprise.'

The official launch of Moors Tours takes place at the Peter Tavy Inn on July 2. For more information call 01822 870688.