OLDER residents of the Great Torrington area have the chance to win a bit of extra cash this month if they join a forum for older people.

The local branch of the Senior Council for Devon, which allows people over 50 to make their voices heard to the likes of Devon County Council and NHS Devon, is on a drive to recruit more members.

Anyone signing up for the free forum at a series of free events in Torrington will automatically have their names entered for a £50 prize draw..

Graham Bowen, the Senior Council's chairman in Great Torrington, said: "The Senior Council exists to make sure that the concerns of older people – on anything from transport and leisure to health and social care – are heard and acted upon by policy makers.

"We have a very active branch locally, providing advice and information and a regular newsletter. We're particularly proud of the Memory Café that we hold monthly for dementia sufferers and their carers.

"We're also keen to promote more understanding between old and young – earlier this year, for example, we had a very successful Back Along Day when young actors from the Plough Arts Centre dramatised the wartime experiences of one of our members.

"There are four events in Torrington this month, and anyone interested is most welcome to come along.

"The names of everyone joining us will be entered into our £50 prize draw, to be drawn on August 28 by the Mayor of Great Torrington, Councillor Sue Mills."

The four events are: August 7, Pannier Market, 9.30am to 4pm; August 11, Methodist Church Meeting Room, 2pm to 4pm; August 25, Plough Theatre Information Fair, 10am to 4pm; August 28, Torrington Town Traders Festival. 10am to 4pm (draw at 4pm).

For further information, contact 01805 625801.