AGE Concern Okehampton and Torridge has decided to reject an offer to join Age UK, in order to maintain the quality of its local services.

The charity's board of trustees made the decision at a meeting in February, instead deciding to form a loose partnership with Barnstaple, Crediton and Exmouth Age Concerns, forming Age Concerns in Devon.

Age UK was formed in 2010 after the national offices of Age Concern and Help the Aged merged.

Age Concern Okehampton and Torridge chief officer Barrie Duke said: 'We, along with at least one hundred others have decided the offer is really not beneficial at all.

'Age Concern Okehampton and Torridge has been working locally for the last 20 years, and we know and understand the needs of older people in the local area.

'We believe joining a national organisation would actually decrease the amount of time we could spend in the local community.

'We also believe such a move would restrict our income.

'Money donated locally would go into a national pot and would then be allocated across the whole country.'

The Okehampton and Torridge charity has instead made the decision to join with Barnstaple, Crediton and Exeter Age Concerns to allow the groups to learn from each other.

One person to benefit from the service, Savina Wells, is disabled and house bound, being unable to descend three flights of stairs.

Recently, her wheelchair was stolen, meaning she was unable to leave the house at all.

Age Concern Okehampton and Torridge were able to help Savina after the Parish Church donated a computer, and an Age Concern computer class member donated a flat screen monitor.

After some alterations to the computer by Ben Cook, who runs his own computer support business, Savina was able to get online.

She is now able to email friends and order shopping directly to her door, giving her some control over her life back.

Age Concern then donated a wheelchair, allowing Savina to regain even more independence.

Besides Age Concern, a team of others have helped Savina and many more like her regain their independence, including the NHS, community nurses, Devon Social Services and local GPs.

In her first email, sent to Age Concern, Savina said: 'You and the organisations have changed my life.

'You have been there for me, and have given me faith in very hard emotional times like when my wheelchair was stolen from me.

'I could go on about what you and the volunteers have done for me.'

Further information on Okehampton and Torridge Age Concern is available at http://www.akot.ik.com">www.akot.ik.com or by telephoning 01837 55838.