THE area’s 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 those 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 provides a vital support service for people who may be isolated by living in a remote location or for other reasons.

Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue 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 to fit smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

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

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