MORE than 60 tourism industry leaders, accommodation providers and adventure seekers from Devon and Cornwall attended last Friday's official opening of Tree Surfers at Gulworthy — the South West's latest adrenaline thumping high ropes activity course.

Extreme 'Tree Surfer' Paul Poynter wowed crowds as he 'surfed' on the branches of a 250-year-old beech tree, being swayed in the wind, and free style climbed a 100ft tree.

Cllr Neil Burden, chairman of Tamar Valley Partnership Committee and Cllr for North Cornwall district, and Tavistock Town Cllr Robin Pike, signalled 14 lucky prize draw winners to set forth onto the newly built ropes course.

Cllr Pike said: 'It gives me great pleasure to be part of a project that will benefit the local economy and create employment and an exciting activity for young people where they can enjoy the natural surroundings.

'This is a great example of enterprise and professional management to conserve our natural heritage.'

Paul Turner of Tree Surfers said: 'After two and half years in the planning and several months building the ropes course we are really pleased to see the first people enjoying the course and celebrate with local tourism providers who have supported us.

'We hope to have the other elements of Tree Surfers ready for the summer, which includes a tree jump and canopy zip tour and look forward to sharing an eco-educational and adrenaline thumping outdoor experience in the heart of the Tamar Valley with local visitors and educational groups.'

Tavistock mayor Mandy Govier called Tree Surfers a 'fantastic project that is great fun for all age groups'.

'Since its conception I have supported Tree Surfers and it's great to see the ropes course in action. I'm particularly impressed with the way Tree Surfers has managed the conservation of the woodland and minimised any environment impact on the natural flora and fauna.'

Cllr Burden said: 'The Tamar Valley AONB's vision is to open up heritage sites like the Tavistock woodlands and engage people in the area's beauty and rich history. Tree Surfers has successfully worked in partnership with us to help deliver this vision and has created a wonderful, pulse racing activity within an exciting environment.'

Anyone interested in Tree Surfers can visit http://www.treesurfers.co.uk">www.treesurfers.co.uk or call 0845 4594632.