A CHARITY offering support to families in rural communities for 14 years has recently expanded to offer help to more people.

Home-Start South Hams, Plymouth and Tavistock has now expanded to provide the service in Plymouth.

Scheme manager Andrea Chandler said: 'It is more common for large urban or national based organisations to swallow up small grassroots services, which often leads to centralisation and a loss of focus on rural issues.

'We are delighted that we have been able to retain our local ties while expanding to offer our tried and tested service to our neighbouring communities.'

The scheme is currently looking for funding to continue its three-year pilot in the city which comes to an end in September. 

Co-ordinator Zoe Bell explained about the work on the ground: 'It has worked so well, with volunteers from all areas able to support both rural and urban families.

'We are keen to keep the good work going and are looking particularly for volunteers who would like to work in Plymouth or Tavistock as the South Hams already has an excellent established base of volunteers.'

If you have parenting experience and feel you could spare a couple hours a week to support local families please contact 01548 854513 for further details.