From Liz Waugh, Exeter 383262, March 29, 2007

PERCEPTIONS about the quality of life in Devon are being sought as part of the exercise to develop a brand for the county.

Devon County Council has set up an online survey on its website to encourage more people to feed their opinions into the Devon Brand project.

The opinion poll asks users to rate economic, environmental, social and leisure aspects of the county with a series of brief statements.

Councillor Humphrey Temperley, Executive Member for Strategic Planning and Regional Affairs, said: " Finding out what makes this county unique for the residents is as important as establishing why it appeals to visitors.

"In developing a brand for the county, we need to create something that has resonance with local people that we can all support. Canvassing the views across the county is a key piece of brand development, and we want to encourage as many people as possible to take part."

Jeremy Filmer Bennett, Chief Executive of Devon and Cornwall Business Council, said: "The business community has a critical role to play in promoting Devon on a regional, national and international basis. Once the brand is agreed, they will be instrumental in launching the concept, so it is essential that businesses give their input into the process."

Angela Wright MBE, of Devon Association of Tourist Attractions, said: "We are delighted to be supporting this project, as the new brand for Devon will help to revitalise and boost the promotion of the county. Tourism businesses will benefit from a strong county brand and as one of the main industries promoting the county, we are looking forward to seeing the results."

The survey can be found online at www.devon.gov.uk. Responses need to be submitted by the end of April.

Notes to Editors:

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