PEOPLE in Exbourne will be the latest to benefit from Devon County Council?s pioneering initiative to promote interest in information technology.

The Devon in Touch roadshow will be at the Square in Exbourne from 11am to 4pm next Thursday, July 15. Visitors will be able to get instant access to a world of information aboard the purpose-built vehicle commissioned by the council.

Equipped with the latest technology, the vehicle gives people in rural communities the chance to use the internet and experience the benefits of going on-line.

The visit comes ahead of a drop-in day in Exbourne Village Hall for residents to share ideas for the village for a parish plan which is to be produced.

The drop-in day takes place on Saturday, July 17, while another drop-in event will be held at the joint parish of Jacobstowe on the following Saturday (July 24).

The roadshow began its tour last September and has so far visited more than 50 communities.

Staff on board have been delighted by the response ? particularly that of older people keen to discover the fun of surfing the web and sending e-mails to friends and relatives at home and abroad.

Manager Lisa Wilson said: ?We have had some wonderful appreciative comments.

?Many people have said the trial session has persuaded them computers can play a useful role in their lives and should not be feared. Some have enjoyed it so much, they have bought their own equipment.?

The roadshow is a Devon County Council service, in association with BBC Radio Devon and Devon Fire and Rescue.