OKEHAMPTON and District Community Transport Group and Okehampton Fairtrade Group are the latest organisations to benefit from Okehampton Town Council's grant aid scheme.

At its latest policy and resources committee meeting on February 18, the council allocated the transport group the maximum £500 on offer, and the Fairtrade group £100.

The transport group applied for the full amount on offer to help pay for a new computer and printer. The group runs a ring and ride bus service, and a community car service.

They provide transport for people who find it physically difficult to use conventional public transport, the frail, elderly and those who are rurally isolated.

Their community car scheme complements the ring and ride service and provides for more individual one off journeys, like social visits and medical appointments.

The Fairtrade group received £100 to put towards its running costs. It works to promote the virtues of Fairtrade produce around the town, particularly during the annual Fairtrade fortnight. Okehampton was awarded Fairtrade town status in 2010, and the group renewed that status in February 2012.

At the beginning of the financial year, the council allocated £12,000 to be distributed to organisations and charities benefiting the community.

Councillors regularly review grant applications and make a conscientious effort to spread the money as fairly and wisely as possible.

The maximum donation is capped at £500.

If you feel your organisation could benefit from the council's grant aid scheme, contact the town hall on 01837 53179.