A PILOT scheme of taxi vouchers in rural areas is proving a hit and those behind the scheme are hoping to encourage more people to take them up.

The North Devon Taxi Voucher Scheme, which was introduced in February this year and is available for young people, elderly or disabled residents.

It allows those taking part to buy a book of taxi vouchers with a travel value of £50 for just £5.

It covers the rural communities of Mortehoe, East Down, Berrynarbor, Combe Martin, Kentisbury, Trentishoe, Arlington, Bratton Fleming, Challacombe, Parracombe, Martinhoe, Lynton and Lynmouth, Countisbury and Brendon.

Tim Lamerton of the North Devon Access to Services Project (NDASP) said: "The scheme is proving to be very popular, we would like to encourage residents from the more rural areas to apply.

"We have many taxi companies signed up to the scheme and feel that we have the whole area well covered so we would like to take this opportunity to remind people of our project and hope that they will apply to join the scheme soon, as we only have a limited number of voucher books available."

He said the vouchers, which are subsidised by Devon County Council, are a way of giving help to isolated people and establishing if there is a need to continue the project.

For more information about the Taxi Voucher Scheme or other projects that NDASP are currently working on, contact 01271-855951.