A SMALL Tavistock training organisation has secured a significant first for the town and is now looking to expand in the New Year.

Environmental and Safety Training (SW) which began operating from its Tavistock premises in March this year, has secured Government funding to allow it to deliver Health and Safety and Food Hygiene courses at no cost to the students.

The academic success rate of its students has enabled Environmental and Safety Training to secure Government funding only previously available to colleges and national training agencies.

The new courses will include NVQ level two Health and Safety Distance Learning courses.

In the South West of England no similar training undertaking has managed to convince the necessary agencies of their suitability for this funding, and the company is hoping to utilise other lecturers to support its expanding training needs.

Hildi and Brian Trew, the proprietors, say they are delighted the people of Tavistock and West Devon can now have the benefit of free health and safety and food hygiene training to certificate standard.

?We had to fight hard for this and put our case quite strongly. Many people can?t get into Plymouth for two days running; after everything the countryside has suffered, they deserve this,? said Hildi Trew.

She said many businesses think twice about sending staff for training, but she hoped the fact it was free would prove to be a great incentive.

The funding is for any individual or organisation, whether currently working or unemployed, providing they are 19 years of age or older.

Anyone who wants more information, can contact Environmental and Safety Training on 01822 611320 or by e-mail at: