A FEW lucky Dawlish folk had an out-of-town experience last week. They were paying a visit to Teignmouth, where some chose to shop in the town and others elected to grab some bargains at the town’s Morrisons store.

They were taken there by the Dawlish Ring and Ride service, whose regular weekly schedule includes taking people to Newton Abbot, Torquay and locations around Devon.

Sally Preston, office manager at East Teignbridge Community Transport Association, said: ‘Since lockdown we have been slowly reinstating what were our regular trips.

‘The ones to Newton Abbot and The Willows in Torquay have been running for some time now as well as the social/wellbeing trips coming back (and very popular). Morrison’s was trialled last week, and the take-up was good.

‘So we linked with Mo at Morrison’s, the Community Champion and shared that we’d be bringing over passengers once again, from localities across East Teignbridge.

‘Mo came to meet the passengers from the bus and welcomed them in to store, offering free refreshments.’

Passenger assistant, Pauline, supporting Nigel the driver; welcomed people on the bus and ensured they were ok.

Sally added: ‘We cover a wide area and pick people up from their homes to enable them to be independent and do their own tasks such as shopping, banking, post office etc and enjoy time together on the very much social element of meeting and chatting to others on the bus.

‘Driving the bus to set destinations is just part of what the journey offers; support to those in the community who aren’t able to use public transport or choose to travel with us for their own personal reasons. For many it’s where friendships are made, info is shared and where wellbeing is key.’

► For more information about the Ring and Ride service, call the office on 01626 888890.