TAVISTOCK Area Support Services (TASS) has gained a new asset to help get older people out and about.

TASS supporters, mayor of Tavistock Cllr David Whitcomb, and representatives of West Devon Borough Council, Cllrs Debo Sellis and Alison Clish-Green, gathered to launch the new TASS 'Out and About' Bus.

The vehicle was funded by a donation from 'The Old Folk's Rest Room', now accommodated at TASS, West Devon Borough Council and various trust funds.

At the launch, Cllr Whitcomb said how pleased Tavistock Town Council was to continue its support of TASS and how the services provided by the charity had developed over the years to support older people in the area.

Yvonne Meneer, who oversaw the integration of the rest room into TASS, said: 'It is the coming together of several funders and it was wonderful that some of the old folk's rest room monies were able to help purchase this wonderful new asset to help get older people out and about.

'The new bus joins the existing three others, and will be used in the delivery of the wide range of trips put on throughout the year.'

Kevin Mathison, transport co-ordinator at TASS, said: 'We have seen the number of trips increase over the last four years and this summer for the first time we have been able to take four minibuses out, getting 60 people out and about and having a good time.'

To find out more about TASS transport, or anyone who enjoys driving and can spare a few hours a week to volunteer, contact Kevin on 01822 617525.