THIS week saw two welcome boosts to Okehampton's prospects, with the potential re-opening of Browne's chocolates, and a partnership being launched to try and turn Okehampton's economy.

Hope for the future of Browne's Chocolates was re-ignited with the news the company has been bought out of administration by the team that turned Sharp's brewery of Cornwall from a £2.5million to a £17.5million business.

Tim Jones, chair of the Devon and Cornwall Business Council was delighted with the news.

He said: 'The news of a takeover retaining skills and a local supply chain is very important to Okehampton at this time.

'Hopefully this will help to re-position Okehampton and show that under the surface there is a tremendous amount of opportunity in the town.'

Joe Keohane and Nick Baker left the brewery, based in Rock, in January after it was sold to Molson Coors in a £20-million deal.

Since then, the pair have paid an undisclosed fee for the assets of Browne's from administrators.

Discussions are currently being held with a number of retailers, including Waitrose, Duchy Originals and Harrods in a drive to resume supply deals.

The new owners are also appealing for local stockists to support them, as they attempt to get the business up and running again.

Half of the company's employees have been re-hired, and have been cleaning the factory to make it ready for the re-start of production.

Before its closure, Browne's was renowned for its top quality goods, supplying truffles, after-dinner mints and a range of chocolate products to high-end retailers.

It is thought that Mr Keohane and Mr Baker will employ similar tactics to those used at Sharp's brewery to improve business opportunities — with the reduction of wastage, and broadening of the customer base beyond the South West to focus on new supply opportunities.

The business' marketing tactics and re-launch of their products are also areas of focus for the company.

The new owners will take up residence with the company in May, when further details on the firm's future will be released.

As well as the good news from Browne's, West Devon Borough Council is funding a partnership to try to boost Okehampton's economy.

The council's first task will be to discover which firms have felt the impact of the factory closures hardest.

The survey will be carried out by Okehampton-based Business Information Point (BIP) and the Local Enterprise Action Fund (Greater Dartmoor LEAF).

Borough council chief executive Richard Sheard said: 'The group is very positive about the potential of Okehampton with its key location, accessibility and positive, committed workforce.'

The council has helped more than 100 families so far with support and advice.

Job Centre Plus, community groups, training organisations and local authorities have combined to help people find work, improve skills and look at other opportunities.

Westward Pathfinder is also running a back-to-work club in the Ockment Centre, and an Enterprise Club at Opportunity Okehampton starts soon.

The next partnership meeting is planned for mid-April.