TAVISTOCK mayor Anne Johnson launched the town's first car club vehicle this month.

The E-cocars car club has a designated parking space just outside the Guildhall.  Members of E-cocars can book the car for an hour or a day at anytime ahead for whenever it is needed. Charges are made by the hour and a mileage charge to cover the cost of fuel.

Members need to register at http://www.e-cocars.com">www.e-cocars.com to receive their own smartcard and handbook which explains the simple way to make a booking. Membership is free if you make at least one journey a month and £5 if you do not need to make any trips that month.

Jeremy Farr, manager of E-cocars, said: 'Car clubs work really well where people make occasional journeys each month.  It can replace the need for families to have a second car.'

Mr Farr said he was looking forward to the challenge of encouraging residents in Tavistock to give the car club a try.

'Most members find it saves them a small fortune over the cost of running their own second car. E-cocars pays for the insurance, tax and servicing so you only pay for the car when you need it.'

As an incentive, the first ten members will join for free.

The car club has been made possible with the support of the Greater Dartmoor LEAF programme and the work of Transition Tavistock, the Tavi Network and Tavistock Town Council.