AGE Concern Okehampton and Torridge is the latest organisation to benefit from Okehampton Town Council's grant aid scheme.

The scheme supports local organisations, charities and community groups benefitting the people of Okehampton with grants of up to £500.

The council granted Age Concern Okehampton and Torridge £400 to help with printing costs for a newsletter recruiting clients and volunteers in Okehampton.

The newsletter will cover issues faced by older people living in the area and will invite them to make submissions and suggestions for the newsletter.

Town mayor Cllr the Rev Mike Davies said: 'The council is more than happy to support Age Concern and the work it does here in the town. Okehampton really supports what Age Concern does for the town's older residents and we are more than happy to support them.'

The charity is run entirely by volunteers and spends most of its income in West Devon. Twenty volunteers gave in excess of 5,100 hours in the last year to help older people live independently in the area. The volunteers come from all over West Devon. Presentations will be made to the volunteers who so generously give up their time.

Since its inception 21 years ago, more than £600,000 has been raised. Over half of Age Concern Okehampton and Torridge's work is funded by individual donations.

Chief officer Barrie Duke said: 'We are always looking for volunteers, particularly for our home visiting service, which has increasing demand, especially at this time of year.'

To find out more about Age Concern Okehampton and Torridge visit http://www.acot.org.uk">www.acot.org.uk or call 01837 55838.