WITH the Holsworthy Ring and Ride Service in jeopardy after the withdrawal of lottery funding, Torridge District Council has come to the rescue with a cheque for £10,000. Last Wednesday morning Councillor James Morrish, the chairman of Torridge District Council, met the trustees of the North Tamar Community Transport Association in the Manor car park to hand over a cheque.

Treasurer Martin Prentice, said they were bitterly disappointed to lose their lottery funding. The Big Lottery had supported them for three years, but had now rejected their application on the grounds that the Ring and Ride service had "not demonstrated a need" or "met the programme aim of bringing real improvement to communities and the lives of people most in need."

Expressing his gratitude to Torridge DC, the chairman, David Perkin, said he hoped there would be an ongoing partnership between the NTCTA and Torridge. The Ring and Ride service met a fundamental need in one of the poorest areas of the country.

Cllr Morrish said the welfare of elderly residents in isolated rural areas was very important to Torridge. "Anything that can be done to help them access towns and enjoy day-to-day life like everybody else we are pleased to support, if possible for many years to come."

The NTCTA has already received £5,000 from the Lloyds TSB Foundation with another £5,000 due next year. Mr Prentice added: "All these donations will enable us to continue the service but we need £20,000 a year to survive so we must continue to look for more funding."