A NEW free service helping people and the environment has just been launched in Tavistock ? and is already proving a big hit with those who have started to use it. Tavistock Freecycle was started by Shirley Crawford as a way of recycling redundant goods that are too good to throw out. It is run using an internet website. Shirley said: ?The Freecycle network started in May 2003 in Tuscon, Arizona, basically to get rid of items but stop them going to landfills. ?There are a huge amount of things that can be recycled and it?s now spread to the UK ? we have about 290 groups here now.? Shirley said people register on the website to become a member of the group ? they can then post offers on the site and wait for them to be accepted by e-mail. ?The only rule is it has to be free ? it?s a non-profit making organisation. It?s basically like e-Bay, we sometimes call it free-bay. ?You get some amazing things. I have heard of one lady who said she needed a car to take her children to school and somebody offered her one! ?The organisation is progressing really well and not only does it help the environment, it helps people on low incomes as well.? Although Shirley has yet to advertise the Tavistock Freecycle website, since starting the group in May, she already has 63 members. ?I am really pleased with the way it?s going because I really didn?t know how it would take off in Tavistock. ?At the moment on the site we have a lady who is offering a complete kitchen to anybody that wants it, because she?s having a new one put in. We have computers on offer, there?s a woodburner, tables, chairs ? all sorts of things. ?Obviously, I have to monitor what?s going on, you wouldn?t want ridiculous things, like a dog or cat or something, but I just keep an eye on it twice a day to check everything is okay.? The Tavistock Freecycle group is open to anybody in the West Devon area, whether individuals or non-profit making groups, who wish to recycle goods rather than throw them away. Anyone who would like to learn more can e-mail tavistock_ Freecycle-owner@ yahoogroups.com To check out the Tavistock Freecycle website, go to http://groups">http://groups. yahoo.com/group/ tavistock_freecycle