THE Ruby Country Initiative which works to promote rural tourism around Holsworthy and Hatherleigh has run out of funding.

While hundreds of thousands of pounds have been injected into plans for the Ruby cycleway, other projects linked to the Ruby Initiative are under threat unless more cash is found.

Nearly £200,000 was awarded to the project in the last round of funding in the summer of 2007. That is due to run out at the end of March when there will no longer be any paid members of staff working for the initiative.

However, volunteers are still working hard to secure funding, with support from Devon County Council, and have bids in place.

Volunteer Richard Reid said: "The Ruby Country Initiative started in 2001 after the foot and mouth outbreak and to see it fail now would be devastating.

"It has been really successful with loads of achievements and there are a lot of elements that are sustainable but we need that extra push. We would like to get help for specific funding projects but we also hope to get extra funding to secure a long term future.

"So much opportunity is now within our grasp. The Ruby Country strapline is Unlocking Opportunities — we now have the key, lets use it and give full support to Ruby Country."

Supporters of Ruby Country say whatever happens, the hugely successful Ruby Business Initiative will continue and it is hoped that the development of the Ruby Way cycle trail will generate investment in the area and boost the local economy.

Polly Frost from Devon County Council said: "We hope to get funding to reinvigorate the Ruby Trails. There are eight in the area and a lot of work has been put into them, but they need to be maintained for the benefit of people locally as well as for visitors to the area.

"We have the moors and the coast on our doorstep but this area has something different and offers a high quality environment and experience."

Polly added: "Without paid workers it leaves the project in a very difficult position and puts pressure on our volunteers. The risk is that the environmental side will suffer and there won't be the support behind the businesses to arrange events and promote opportunities.

"We have got such a great project and we want people to buy in."

Polly said the initiative and funding bids would benefit from letters of support, individually or through lobbying councils or the local MP.

They can be e-mailed to ruby.country@devon.gov.uk or posted to Ruby Country Initiative, Cookworthy Moor, Beaworthy, Devon EX21 5UX.