From Liz Waugh, Exeter 383578, August 03,2006

'Proud of Devon', the competition to find the best images of Devon is hotting up, with a range of entries from across the county.

Hosted by Devon County Council and the Devon Association of Tourist Attractions (DATA) to celebrate the best about Devon, entries to the competition cover a wide range of subjects including the Seaton tram and Dartmoor Prison - from the outside looking in. Beachscapes, sunsets and the Exe and Teign estuaries are also popular. The competition has attracted entries from as far afield as Birmingham and Cardiff.

Entrants to the competition can win a golden ticket, worth over £1200, which gives them access to every one of the 44 attractions that are members of DATA.

Councillor Humphrey Temperley, Executive Member for Strategic Planning and Rural Affairs, said:" We have had an excellent response to our call for photographs of Devon. The standard of entries is very high and shows the unrivalled breadth of scenery and activities that Devon has to offer.

"By promoting the exceptional qualities of the county, we can support the tourism industry and help it to grow in a responsible and sustainable way. There are clear economic benefits to increasing tourism for the county, but there are also green ecological benefits too. Showing people where to have a great holiday locally is not only good fun for them, it does less damage to the environment, and local businesses can profit too."

Golden tickets are being given away every month to prize winners, with two specific categories: 15 and under, 16 and over, and special awards for younger entrants. Winners under 16 will receive a golden ticket that permits entry with a parent, carer or guardian, free of charge.

Chair of DATA, Pat Bendall, said: "The quality of the pictures has been stunning; however, we would really welcome more entries from younger children. I am interested to see what they have been doing and enjoying over the holidays, especially in this fantastic weather.

"Happy memories of childhood holidays are something that many people can relate to, so it is always fascinating to see what makes a holiday special, especially from a child's perspective. With so many things to do and see in Devon, it's been quite an insight into the county, and has really brought home why Devon is so beautiful. It's a fantastic place to live, holiday and work."

The closing date for the monthly competition is 15 August and winning entries will be announced in the following week. For more details on how to enter, or to see some of the entries, visit www.devon.gov.uk/proudofdevon or www.lotstodo.co.uk.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

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