THE Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is helping to fund a scheme which provides support for people living in Somerset’s most remote communities.

‘Village agents’ are trusted members of remote communities who are trained to put vulnerable people in touch with agencies which can provide help and advice.

The scheme is run by the Community Council for Somerset, and is designed to provide a vital support service for people who may be isolated by living in a remote location or for other reasons.

The service has become a funding partner of the scheme, and will train village agents to identify and refer people who may be at risk of fire, and, in some cases, fit smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

Group manager Martin Carnell said: “We’ve been working with the village agents and have been really pleased with what we’ve achieved.

“We’ve already helped people who were at high risk of having a fire in their homes as a direct result of the work of the village agents.

“As they live in the parishes where they work they can build up relationships and knowledge that other agencies don’t have the resources to do.”