At last Holsworthy has a much needed service which until recently seemed a pipe dream: a bus service direct to North Devon District Hospital, writes Christine Williams, our Holsworthy correspondent.

In a brief ceremony at Holsworthy Hospital last Friday morning North Tamar Community Transport Association's new Hospital Hoppa minibus service was launched by Geoffrey Cox MP.

David Perkin, chairman of the NTCTA, said that after a year and a half of negotiation and hard work they had finally achieved this six month pilot scheme. He was grateful to Devon County Council for their support in providing the vehicle and the finance, as well as to the trustees, especially Martin Prentice and John Allen, District Councillor Richard Brown and to Cathy Withall and her staff.

"This service belongs to the community," he said, "and will only survive if the community uses it."

Speaking on behalf of the people of Holsworthy, the Mayor, Cllr Liz Squire, thanked the NTCTA and DCC. "This service will be of great benefit to the community. It's up to people to use it," she said.

Geoffrey Cox said he knew from his postbag and from people who came to his surgeries how badly this service was needed since the withdrawal of the hospital car service. He said: "This is truly a local initiative and, if it works, might well be copied elsewhere."

He congratulated everyone on achieving it, not forgetting the efforts of the late Des Shadrick. The two drivers, Chris Brown and Mike Yeo, both of Holsworthy, then drove off to complete their last day of training.

The Hoppa bus, which is wheelchair accessible, came into service last Monday and will make four return trips per day, Mondays to Fridays. Departures from Holswor­thy are at 8am, 10.30am, 1.35pm and 4.35pm and from North Devon Hospital at 9.30am, 12.05pm, 3.05pm and 5.35pm. Pick-up points in Holsworthy are at the bus shelter and the hospital and en route the bus calls at Torrington Hospital.

The vehicle is wheelchair accessible and the service is available to patients and hospital visitors who first need to register and make a booking 48 hours in advance at the transport office (4 The Square) or phone 01409 259001 Mondays to Fridays, 10am to 1pm. The fare is £10 return or £5 single.