A ferry service operating between Falmouth and the Spanish port of Vilagarcia, could be established soon if the plans by an enthusiastic group receives support.

The Falmouth and Vilagarcia Business and Cultural Llinks Association this week established a website through the Packet to promote links between the town of Falmouth and the town of Vilagarcia which is in Garcia iln North West Spain, in an effort to gain support and find the finance needed if the idea is to get ff the ground.

It is not the first time that a ferry service between Falmouth and North West Spain has been on the cards but those behind the latest scheme think this time it could get off the ground, particularly with a view to exporting and improting locally produce goods.

The association's chairman Julia Dean said links between the two towns had already been established and both were keen to strengthen the links although not just to twin.

Falmouth town council had been supportive as had many businesses, she said. The Royal Navy through Culdrose in Helston had also become involved and in June the Royal Navy was sending a warship to the Spanish town on a goodwill visit. While there members of the crew would be cleaning up and restoring a British cemetery which housed the last resting place of many British sailors.

Mrs ???? who teaches Spanish at Falmouth adult education classes said: "A delegation from Spain has been to Falmouth and we have visited Vilagarcia. It is a bigger town than Falmouth but very similar, and its port is busy. Thre is also a good yacht club.

"The potential for business is great," she added.

Mrs Dean said the group had discussed the links with local business, not least Falmouth Docks and it was hoped to take the matter further although finance was critical.

On the website which went live yesterday, the group says: "We are looking to promote active European citizenship for the benefit of the people of both Falmouth and Vilagarcia."

Priority would be to create business Links between the two commercial ports. There would also be student exchange, a planned boost for tourism in both Galicia and Cornwall and initiatives such as the ferry link for the import and export of local; foods and wines together with other goods.

We need you to pledge your support to help us with this venture.

"We need help with ideas on how to take things further, sponsorship to finance initiatives, help with costs, offers of accommodation for Students from Vilagarcia when they visit in the Summer 2007, along with financial help to fund this, entrepreneurial ideas for the possible future development of business links, creating publicity opportunities to promote the development of the Association and its members.