RESIDENTS of Highampton will be the latest people to benefit from Devon County Council?s pioneering information technology roadshow ?Devon in Touch?.

Visitors to the currently touring roadshow will get instant access to a world of information aboard a purpose-built vehicle designed by council employees.

Equipped with the latest technology the IT bus gives people in rural communities chance to use the internet and experience the benefits of online access.

The roadshow?s next stop will be in Highampton on Tuesday when it will be at the Village Hall between 11am and 4pm with everyone welcome to drop in.

The roadshow began its tour last September and has so far visited more than 50 communities across the county with on board staff delighted with the response they?ve received.

Manager Lisa Wilson said: ?We have had some wonderful appreciative comments and many people have said the trial session has persuaded them computers can play a useful role in their lives.

?Some have enjoyed it so much they?ve bought their own equipment and some have become hooked immediately and have stayed with us several hours, gaining more knowledge and sharing their experiences with other visitors.?

She said they were particularly pleased at the number of older people keen to experience the fun of surfing the web, many of whom had tried sending e-mails to friends and relatives at home and abroad.

The roadshow is being run as a Devon County Council service in association with Radio Devon and the Devon Fire and Rescue Service who have seen the vehicle equipped with six computers for free use by the public.

The vehicle also has a facility to allow Radio Devon to broadcast live programmes from the villages it visits.

A visit from the roadshow can be arranged for a community by calling 01392 383444.