A NEW café in North Tawton has received a visit from Central Devon MP Mel Stride, who praised it as an example of the entrepreneurialism that will drive the county out of the recession.

Mr Stride on Saturday visited the new 'A and L' café in North Tawton, run by entrepreneur Annette Ponsford.

The café is just a week old and is already a focus for the community in the town.

Mr Stride said: 'This is just the type of thriving new venture that I am very happy to support.

'Entrepreneurs like Annette are vital in helping Devon and our country continue to recover from the economic slowdown.

'I wish Annette and all her staff well with it. They are working very hard and deserve every success.'

Annette, who is also a town councillor, said the support from the community had been very encouraging.

'I have only been open a week and have been incredibly busy. It all seems to be going very well and I am very pleased that locals are coming along to support a new local business.'

Mr Stride has recently spent time touring his constituency, taking the pulse of businesses and finding out how he could help local firms.