CHAMPAGNE corks have been popping for Ruby Country, and not just to celebrate the New Year.

The Ruby Country Partnership has secured funding from The Greater Dartmoor Local Enterprise Action Fund and from the Leader 4 Torridge and North Devon Local Action Group for a three-year period. It has also secured a three-year licence with the Forestry Commission to take over the majority of the Cookworthy Forest Centre, near Halwill Junction, from March 1.

The successful joint funding bid will enable the Ruby Country Partnership to employ a part-time co-ordinator to work with Devon County Council on the Ride the Ruby Country project to develop a bridleway link between Okehampton's Granite Way and Cookworthy Forest, in the heart of Ruby Country. This is part of Devon County Council's plans to develop activity-based and sustainable tourism by providing new and improved equestrian and recreational trails within the rural area of Ruby Country.

The Ruby Country Partnership and its co-ordinator will work alongside local businesses and communities to make the most of the economic and recreational opportunities.

"This is a great opportunity for new or existing businesses, landowners and farmers to gear up for this new and exciting development in tourism." said Richard Reid Company Secretary of the Ruby Country Partnership. "We will be advertising the post of co-ordinator as soon as certain conditions applied to the funding have been met, and hope to be fully up and running in March."

In addition Ruby Country Partnership has arranged a licence with the Forestry Commission, to take on the majority of the office space at Cookworthy Forest Centre for a minimum of three years. This will enable the Partnership to create a focal point for Ruby Country, in the heart of the area.

It is planned to create a central venue for visitors and the local community to promote the activities available in Ruby Country, such as walking, cycling, horse riding, fishing and watersports. Local businesses will also benefit from office space available to rent. The Forestry Commission will retain three offices within the building.

"Ruby Country has always lacked a focal point and now with a Centre being created at Cookworthy Forest, with a long-term agreement with the Forestry Commission, we feel we have the basics to develop a sustainable future for Ruby Country" said Richard. "There have been a lot of behind the scenes discussions and negotiations over the last few months of 2009 and at last we feel we have achieved a position that will take us on through the 2010s"

After refurbishment, the Partnership aims to attract businesses with such benefits as office rental, hot-desk facilities, virtual office support and conference and training facilities. "Cookworthy offers a unique combination of easy-access, modern office facilities and its tranquil forest setting, making it an energising place to work." said Richard.

He continued: "Having such a facility in the area means businesses can cut down on travel time to a similar facility in an urban location, and can even benefit from combining work with recreation on the doorstep. Full details of the facilities will be publicised in due course, but in the meantime, anyone interested should contact Richard Reid on [email protected]">[email protected] or on 01409 221650 for more information."