ON behalf of the North Devon Coast Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership, I am writing to thank the North Devon Journal, its readers, and all of the local organisations and volunteers who have done so much to support the 50th Anniversary celebrations of the North Devon Coast AONB, making it a very special Anniversary year.

With an anniversary programme, consisting of more than 80 local community events between September 2009 and the end of June, the support and interest shown by the North Devon community has made our anniversary an unprecedented success and a great cause for celebration.

Many of these events, and the extensive publicity surrounding them, have attracted new visitors to the area, giving a welcome boost to our local economy, tourist industry and agriculture.

The North Devon coast is nationally and internationally acknowledged as one of the finest stretches of coastline in England with both an AONB designation and part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

The North Devon Coast AONB, at the heart of the Biosphere Reserve, is a national treasure, recognised for its special environmental qualities and its outstanding beauty, and it is managed locally by a small and highly dedicated AONB team.

The tremendous support shown by the local community throughout our 50th anniversary celebrations is a testament to the pride we all have in our wonderful coastline, and the enormous value we place upon it.

We would like to thank everyone who has helped us to make this such a memorable anniversary.

Our special thanks go to Devon County Council, Torridge District Council, North Devon Council and Natural England for their ongoing support, and to the following organisations for event partnership: SeaIlfracombe; Clovelly Estates; North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival; Beaford Arts, North Devon Archaeological Society; North Devon's Biosphere Reserve and Foundation; North Devon Maritime Forum; North Devon Museums; Devon Wildlife Trust; Ramblers' Association; Yarner Trust; National Trust; Appledore Arts; Dance in Devon; Coastwise North Devon; Exmoor National Park; Ilfracombe Aquarium; Exmoor Zoo; North Devon Festival; PEDPASS; Oceanfest; Art Trek, North Devon Hospice, Woolacombe Surf Lifesaving Club; Braunton Countryside Centre, St John's Garden Centre, Combe Martin Museum and Ilfracombe Community College.

ROSE DAY,

Chairman,

North Devon Coast AONB Partnership.