MEMBERS of the public, local organisations and businesses all came together recently at an open day in Dolton.

The event encouraged parishioners to share their views and ideas on a future vision for their parish.

Guests were able to offer their thoughts on each area within the Dolton Parish Action Plan.

They also enjoyed a past and present slideshow, displays, activities and free refreshments.

A 16ft by 8ft model of the village featured main buildings decorated by Dolton Primary School children.

The centrepiece left many people fascinated by how well it demonstrated the actual layout of Dolton.

Chairman of the Dolton Vision Group Roger Dunn, said: 'We received a great reaction to the Vision Day and we all witnessed an exceptional event.

'There was a steady flow of people throughout and the atmosphere was brilliant.

'The next stage will be to circulate the findings of the day to parishioners and then use that information, together with the Parish Action Plan, to work towards a further Planning For Real event.

'Everyone will be invited to contribute their physical ideas towards what we can actually do and where we can do it.

'We've done plenty of questionnaires down the years — this marks the start of the people of Dolton genuinely working together to make a difference in their community.'

The work of the Dolton Vision Group is an open body made up of parishioners, organisations and businesses.

It is focused on bringing the community together to find ways to address the needs and aspirations of the people to ensure a sustainable, vibrant future, while balancing it with retaining the character and charm of the village.

Group member and Dolton Parish Cllr Clive Burnage, said: 'The Vision Day started to introduce people to the merits of community-led planning and how they can control and determine the ways in which their community can move forward.

'By the people, for the people, is very much the message of the moment.'

Conservative MP for West Devon and Torridge, Geoffrey Cox dropped into the village hall, with Devon County Councillor, Andy Boyd, to support the work of the group.