Honiton and Tiverton MP Neil Parish tries his hand at tram driving.

MP Neil Parish swapped his parliamentary duties to try his hand at tram driving in Seaton.

The Member for Tiverton and Honiton was given the opportunity to get behind the wheel at Seaton Tramway, which attracts around 80,000 visitors every year.

He joined local councillor and the tramway’s project manager John Jeffery and East Devon district councillor Graham Godbeer at the Tramway Stop Restaurant.

The tramway operates a fleet of vintage trams between Seaton, Colyford and Colyton, giving visitors the opportunity to take in the sites of the Axe Valley.

Mr Parish said: “Tourism is the fifth largest industry in the UK today and Devon is a premier holiday destination.

“Tourism in Devon brings �2.3 billion annually to the local economy and supports 68,000 jobs.

“Seaton Tramway not only protects an important part of the heritage of our county it provides employment and encourages investment in the Axe Valley as well.”

During his visit to the area he also met with Toucan crossing campaigners in Colyford to listen to the concerns of residents and discuss possible options.

Mr Parish walked the route of the proposed Stop Line Way through Colyford and was joined by Colyford mayor John Mills, Parish Councillor Howard West and Councillor John Jeffery, and also viewed some of the alternative proposals.