PEOPLE in need of financial help or job seeking advice can now plug in to a free public access computer for information, and contact agencies direct via a special hotline at West Devon Borough Council's Tavistock offices.

Working alongside Jobcentre Plus, a free 'warm phone' has been installed in the council's reception area where direct calls can be made to find out about everything from getting a job to receiving child benefit.

The computer is free to all and is connected to helpful agencies including Citizens Advice Bureau, Devon Home Choice and the Pension Service.

Both facilities are available at the council office reception at Kilworthy Park and no appointment is needed to use them. The council offices are open every weekday from 9am to 5pm.

The new initiatives have been introduced just a few weeks after the borough council made it possible for Jobcentre Plus to open a small office in Tavistock at the former council tax offices at the Quay in Plymouth Road.

The facility, open for a three-month trial period, means that people who are looking for work can now sign on in Tavistock and receive their benefits, rather than travelling to Plymouth every fortnight.

The new service operates on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am to noon and 1pm to 5pm.

Currently the Tavistock Quay office is the only location in West Devon for people to sign on. However Jobcentre Plus hopes to open a similar venue in Okehampton shortly.

Cllr Mandy Govier, chairman of the council's task and finish group for the Jobcentre Plus project, said: 'We hope customers will take full advantage of this free resource which is the latest initiative led by West Devon Borough Council to help more people take up all the many services available to them from us.

'By working with partner organisations like Jobcentre Plus we can maximise opportunities for all our residents to help them in these difficult times.'