TAVISTOCK Area Support Services (TASS) was delighted to welcome the Lord Lieutenant of Devon, Sir Eric Dancer, on an informal visit to the Anchorage Centre last week.

Mr Dancer launched TASS' new Life Stories project, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, by recording some of his own life story for the project. He was also able to see extracts from life stories already recorded by people using the TASS befriending service and to meet one of the participants, Roy Layzell.

During his visit, Mr Dancer presented certificates of achievement to Tavistock College students Lucy Poyntz and Melissa Turner, two of the college's team of ten befrienders, who have completed ten visits to older residents.

Mr Dancer was also able to join the regulars at the Lunch Club and enjoyed food provided by volunteers Heather Rayne, Christine Farrance and their team of helpers.

During lunch, he met Bernice, who runs the Transport Information Hub and she informed him of the transport services provided by TASS, including the hospital car service and the popular mini-bus outings.

Andy Lyle, TASS general manager, said: 'Sir Eric thoroughly enjoyed his visit and asked me to pass on his thanks to everyone.

'It generated a good deal of conversation in the car on the way back and something he can now talk about at other events.'

Andy showed Mr Dancer all the facilities available at the Anchorage Centre and gave information about the large number of activities on offer.

They also discussed the major issues of finding on-going funding to ensure the future of all the vital projects TASS provides and the need to recruit more volunteers to meet ever increasing demand as statutory services are reduced.

At this time, TASS is particularly seeking volunteers for the hospital car service, mini-bus drivers and people interested in acting as recorders of the memories of local elderly people for the new Life Story project.

All volunteers will be security checked and receive the appropriate training and support.

For more information on any of TASS's services please contact the Anchorage Centre on 1822 616958 or email [email protected]">[email protected]