Rural transport scheme extended

The scheme is already working in villages like Bigbury

Residents of the South Hams in Devon are benefiting from a new rural transport scheme.

The Fare Car Service is being extended after proving successful in other parts of the county.

The scheme provides a taxi-style service for about the same cost as a bus fare.

As with buses, there are fixed arrival and departure times. But Fare Car only runs for passengers who have booked in advance.

Social exclusion

The scheme was officially launched on Saturday in Modbury by Devon county councillor David Morrish.

However, it is already being used by residents in towns and villages across the South Hams, including Kingston, Ringmore, Bigbury and Challaborough.

Councillor Morrish said the scheme is an attempt to tackle social exclusion in the more remote parts of the county.

A similar service in East Devon has won the county council a number of awards

Joan Price, of the Kingsbridge Transport Partnership, said that local people are grateful for the service.

"One elderly gentleman said it had given him back the freedom he lost 10 years ago," she said.