A VALUABLE service helping elderly people in the Tavistock area has received a boost from the National Lottery.

Tavistock Area Support Services has received £7,520 from the Lottery's Awards for All programme to develop its befriending service in outlying areas around Tavistock.

For the last three years TASS has delivered for many a lifeline through its befriending service, but up until now the service has received no financial support.

Andy Lyle, TASS manager, said: 'We were thrilled when we heard we had received some support from the Lottery to develop the service.

'At present we have 22 volunteer befrienders supporting vulnerable people in Tavistock and we hope with this grant to train even more befrienders, so helping more local people.'

Ann Wilson, TASS volunteer co-ordinator said: 'TASS volunteers work day in day out supporting older people living in Tavistock, and our volunteer befrienders support older people who have in most cases no relatives living locally.

'These volunteers continue to be the unsung heroes of our community, making a difference to people's lives.'

If you feel you might be able to volunteer please do contact Ann on a Thursday or Friday morning, either by calling into The Anchorage Centre or by phoning 01822 616958.