A NEW manager brought in to promote events in Okehampton has got her career off to a cracking start — with pancake races in the town centre.

Okehampton Chamber of Trade has appointed Lisa Wadling as Okehampton's town promotions manager. Her job will be to liaise with local organisations currently running events and offer help and co-ordination in promoting Okehampton's events to increase footfall in the town. She will also be introducing some new events in 2013.

The first of these new events was a series of fun pancake races for children and adults alike in Red Lion Yard on Saturday to celebrate Shrove Tuesday a few days early.

The Plymouth Inn provided the pancakes, youngsters had their faces painted by Demelza Sampson, and Rob Pudner and Dexter Newman from Entertainingly Different provided entertainment.

Lisa said: 'I'm really excited by the challenge. Okehampton has great community spirit and the business community are really keen to work together,' said Lisa Wadling.

'My first job is to set up business advice sessions. With increasing pressure on the high street it is so important that local independent businesses understand the internet, and the pitfalls to watch out for when it comes to shopping on line and social media.

'I also plan to include sessions on window displays, how to get the best from your advertising and marketing on a budget.

'These sessions will be run by specialists in the fields to give impartial advice, help and guidance to better equip Okehampton businesses in this challenging environment.

'Okehampton has a lot happening throughout the year, but nobody shouts about it.

'I am working on producing a calendar of events that will include everything for the year.

'This will be sent to hotels, bed and breakfasts, tourist information centres and the press. The aim is to increase footfall to the town and make the visit an enjoyable one.'

Lisa Wadling expressed her thanks to The Plymouth Inn, Demelza Sampson, Rob Pudner and Dexter Newman from Entertainingly Different, and everyone who supported the pancake event.