A TRIAL service offering mobility aids to residents of Tavistock and surrounding areas has been well supported by local people.

Tavistock Area Support Services' shop mobility scheme, TaviMOBILITY, saw many people hiring mobility aids over the Christmas period to get out and about in Tavistock, and will be offering the use of the equipment for free throughout February.

TaviMOBILITY is a pilot scheme to see if people in Tavistock with mobility problems would benefit from borrowing scooters, wheelchairs or walking aids.

The trial, which received funding from Devon County Council, aims to be a permanent service in April if the pilot scheme shows there is a need for such a service in Tavistock.

Andy Lyle, Tavistock Area Support Service (TASS) manager, said: 'The aim is to get people out and about, not just for shopping but also to be able to enjoy the Meadows and other parts of Tavistock. We need to prove it is something that the people of Tavistock want.

'It is a marvellous service which in other market towns has helped to get people with mobility problems out and about, it has also meant that people from outside villages can borrow the equipment to get around Tavistock.'

TaviMOBILITY user, Joan from Mary Tavy, said: 'Since my stroke I have not been able to come into Tavistock as I am unable to bring my scooter or wheelchair, but now I can catch a bus into the bus station and borrow a scooter from TASS. It has given me my freedom back.'

TaviMOBILITY is based in the Anchorage Centre. For more information or to book equipment visit the Anchorage Centre, or call 01822 617525.