FOUR-LEGGED and two-legged West Devon residents will find expert assistance on offer at an information and advice roadshow which is touring the borough in February.

West Devon Borough Council's Connect service has once again teamed up with the animal welfare charity, Dogs Trust, to offer free identity microchips for dogs.

Residents wanting to take up the free offer should take their dog along to one of the sessions at either Broadwoodkelly, Chagford, Exbourne or Lifton.

It normally costs around £20 to have a dog microchipped and from 2016 it will be compulsory.  The procedure is quick and painless.

During February, the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) Home Visiting and Outreach Project will also be joining the Connect roadshow at a number of locations.

With many people feeling the post-Christmas pinch, it's an ideal opportunity to get expert help with debt and budgeting.

Mandy Kenyon, CAB Development Officer for West Devon, said: 'We aim to help people not only at crisis point but those who are starting to feel that problems might be on the horizon.

'We would love people to come and see us, who might need some budgeting advice or who feel that a benefit check or information on maximizing their income might be helpful.'

The CAB will also be able to help residents worried about high domestic fuel bills or those confused about switching energy supplier.

Parklands Leisure Centre in Okehampton will have a representative at some of the events to speak to residents about getting active.

Visitors to the roadshow will be able to find out about Parklands' membership offer where people can join up for £1 instead of the usual £40.

The Connect dates are: February 4 at Hatherleigh Market from 9.30am to noon with Parklands, CAB and Action on Hearing Loss (AOHL); February 7 at The Burrow Cafe, Exbourne from 10am to noon with free microchipping by Dogs Trust;  February 8 at Lifton Church Hall from 10am to 2.30pm with free microchipping by Dogs Trust; February 14 at Chagford Library from 10.30am to 12.30pm with Parklands and free microchipping by Dogs Trust.

There will also be roadshows on  February 18 at Hatherleigh Market from 9.30am to noon with CAB and Call24; February 19 at Princetown Community Centre from 1.30pm to 3.30pm with CAB advice drop in service;  February 21 at Broadwoodkelly Village Hall from 10am to noon with free microchipping by Dogs Trust and CAB; February 28 at Chagford Library from 10.30am to 12.30pm with CAB.

For more information about West Devon Connect visit http://www.westdevon.gov.uk">www.westdevon.gov.uk or call 01822 813600.