Devon tourism plan kicks in

Tourism chiefs will emphasise the beauty of the countryside

Devon's foot-and-mouth ravaged tourist industry is facing a crucial weekend.

The county, one of the worst hit by the disease, is trying to lure back tourists driven away by footpath closures, restrictions and unfounded fears about the disease.

This weekend it becomes the first county to launch a tourism recovery plan using government money offered to the south west.

Sights like these have not helped tourism

The summer season, usually vital to areas like Devon, has assumed new importance with the battle to revitalise tourism.

It is believed more than 11,000 jobs are at stake and the county could lose out on £350m if the plan does not bring holidaymakers back in greater numbers.

Tourist attractions, pubs and hotels are pulling together to offer special deals.

Successful summer

First Great Western are offering special deals to encourage tourists to make their way down to the West Country from London.

The fruits of a successful summer would be businesses back within the safety zone by autumn.

Meanwhile, three workers helping with the foot-and-mouth cull have been hit by a potentially dangerous infection.

Thousands more are being screened for signs of Q fever.

Although, in most cases, it causes little more than severe flu-like symptoms, occasionally there can be complications including inflammation of the lining of the heart.