Two of Devon’s busiest ports contribute more than £100 million to the UK economy every year, a new report has revealed.

Together Plymouth and Teignmouth which are run by Associated British Ports also support 1,548 UK jobs.

The new statistics from independent consultants Arup show that, of those totals, ABP's South West Ports contribute £75 million directly into the regional economy and support 1,113 jobs in the area.

Together, the Devon ports form a diverse business, with ABP Teignmouth playing a key role in the region's farming industry by handling 250,000 tonnes of agricultural products annually and exporting more than 150,000 tonnes of ball clay, an industry supporting 200 jobs in Devon.

Plymouth is the south west's gateway to Europe, carrying 442,000 passengers in 2013

across 365 sailings a year to Roscoff in France and Santander in Spain.

The firm said it was committed to developing its ports in Devon with a programme of investment expected to increase their contribution to the regional economy to £110m annually.

ABP is the UK’s leading ports operator with 21 ports and other transport related businesses creating a unique national network capable of handling a vast array of cargo.

Around one quarter of the UK’s seaborne trade passes through ABP’s statutory harbour areas.

ABP contributes £5.6 billion to the UK economy every year and supports 84,000 jobs.

Andrew Harston, ABP director short sea ports, said: "Our ports in the south west are a cornerstone of the regional economy, vital for farmers and key to businesses' ability to tap into global markets.

"I'm proud to report both these impressive new figures and our determination to build on this success with a programme of investment that will deliver significant growth for the regional economy.”

Last year ABP handled more than 1.5 million vehicles, generated around one quarter of the UK’s rail freight and handled 119m tonnes of cargo.

Mr Harston added: “Our current investment programme promises to deliver an extra £1.75 billion for the economy every year.”

Source: Western Morning News