A WEST Devon drop-in club is thriving, helping older residents in the area to meet up for social interaction.

The Horrabridge Drop-in Club meets every Thursday between 10am and 1pm in the village hall. It exists for the benefit of residents over 55, those who have mobility problems or those who just want to get out for a chat.

It is just one of nine such centres in the area surrounding Tavistock and is organised by volunteers from Tavistock Area Support Services (TASS).

The day is arranged around a loose 'agenda' and the members are usually left to chat among themselves, play board games, or just read the paper over a tea or coffee. There is a small lending library of books and jigsaws.

Many members also take advantage of the light lunch served at noon.

Those members with mobility problems can be picked up by the TASS mini-bus at 10am and taken home after 1pm.

The club also hosts a number of trips, the most recent being a visit to Mount Edgecombe Estate and park. Every first Thursday of the month there is a fundraising raffle and every third Thursday there is a 'bring and buy' sale. All funds raised go into the 'birthdays and events' fund.

The club has also arranged a shopping scheme with Horrabridge village store that will be of great assistance to members who find it difficult to carry heavy and bulky goods home from the shops.

Every Thursday, Fiona from the shop, will visit the drop-in club and take grocery orders from the members. The shopping is then bought and brought back to the hall in time for members to go home.

n TASS is always looking for new volunteers. The charity can offer so many different things to do for anyone who has a few hours to spare at a time. Contact TASS on 01822 616958 for more information.