MAKING life easier for older people is the aim of the West Devon Community Fair, which is coming to Tavistock Pannier Market later this month.

More than 40 organisations across the borough are joining forces for the one-day fair featuring activities, music and a wide range of services and charity stalls.

The community fair, organised by West Devon Community Safety Partnership, is being held in the pannier market on Saturday, June 22, with dozens of stands providing information on issues such as health, crime prevention, carer support and disability information to leisure activities, finance, healthy eating and fire safety.

The event is the first of its kind to be held in West Devon, and its main aim is to introduce an extensive range of goods and services to older people, their relatives and carers.

Activities throughout the day include a dramatic chip pan fire demonstration by Devon Fire and Rescue and a visit by Project Cosmic, a mobile community internet cafe, where young people teach technology skills on board a space-shuttle-shaped cafe.

Both displays will be held outside Tavistock Town Hall.

Local singing group Music Box and students from Tavistock College will provide entertainment in the pannier market.

There will also be demonstrations in line-dancing and exercise and a percussion workshop.

Nick Payne, West Devon Borough Council's lead officer for the Community Safety Partnership, said the fair offers a huge variety of information for everyone.

'These goods and services are readily available and will improve the safety and quality of life for residents in West Devon, which has a high elderly population,' he said.

Among exhibitors at the fair will be an electric blanket testing service to highlight safety in the home.

Emergency services deal with hundreds of electric blanket fires each year. Government figures published in 1999, show that in a 12-month period, 19 people died due to faulty blankets.

Normally, electric blankets are sent away to be tested by manufacturers. Plymouth-based GEMS, a company approved by fire brigade and trading standards departments nationwide, can carry out the safety checks on the spot. The service costs just £6 per blanket, but is free to those aged over 65. The electric blanket inspections must be booked in advance — for an appointment telephone 01822 813720.

The fair will be opened by Radio Devon presenter Howard James and is open from 10am to 3pm. Entry is free and all visitors will get a courtesy cup of tea sponsored by Tavistock firm Georgina's Pets and Supplies.

There is also a free draw with prizes donated by West Devon businesses, including special BT phones for people with hearing difficulties.

Free transport has also been laid on for frail, elderly and disabled people who would not otherwise be able to attend. To take advantage, ring 01822 813720 and book a place.

The West Devon Community Fair is sponsored by Community Careline Services, West Devon Community Safety Partnership, Tavistock Town Council, West Devon Borough Council, South Hams and West Devon Health Authority and Mental Health Team, West Devon Homes and Golden Charter.