THE Tarka Trail is to provide the setting for a world record breaking attempt on Monday, August 24. The attempt is being filmed as part of the new BBC2 series, James May's Toy Stories. To enable this to take place, the Tarka Trail will be temporarily closed to cyclists for the day but walkers can still use the route.

Presenter James May has recruited the help of more than 300 local people to create the longest model railway, stretching 10 miles over a section of the Trail from Barnstaple Station to Bideford Station.

The County Council has helped the BBC to plan the event, the Northern Devon Coast and Countryside Service and the Area Highways Team will be helping to manage the event on the day ensuring people get the best vantage point without interrupting the record breaking attempt.

The County Council will also have its Making Devon Greener bus on hand to provide spectators with information on the North Devon Biosphere, as well as cycling and walking opportunities available across Devon. The Tarka Trail was chosen by the BBC programme because of its location in the heart of England's only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, designated for its fantastic environment.

Councillor Roger Croad, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Environmental and Regulatory Services, said: "It says everything that the programme makers chose the Tarka Trail, out of all other locations in the country, because of its wonderful scenery and the beautiful backdrop it provides. We're justly proud of our countryside in Devon and I hope people who turn out will take time to enjoy the surroundings as well as this exciting world record attempt."

Devon County council acquired the disused railway line in 1990 to create its flagship, long distance cycle path. The off-road cycle route which runs more than 37 miles between Braunton and Meeth, is maintained by the Northern Devon Coast and Countryside Service.

The Trail now carries more people than it ever did as a railway line, attracting 150,000 visitors a year, which brings £7.5 million to the North Devon economy.