AN OPEN event discussing energy efficiency measures for the home and ways to reduce your carbon footprint in North Tawton last weekend has been hailed a 'tremendous success' by one of the green electric vehicle exhibitors.

The open information morning at North Tawton Town Hall on Saturday was the first event of a two-month energy assessment of North Tawton being carried out by the Devon Heartlands Community Development Trust.

As well as information on green energy measures, visitors had the chance to see a series of electric vehicles, including the prototype EDF E-Mini, electric quad bikes from Key Pitts Stables and Quads, and the electric Nissan Leaf, owned by Kay and John Bickley, of Upcott House in Okehampton.

Kay said: 'The event was a tremendous success. The E Mini came down from Exeter and there was a good level of interest from the community in all of the electric vehicles, with several intending to come up to Upcott House for a test drive, and others taking information on the electric quads.'

The two-month research study is being funded by the Local Energy Assessment Fund. The LEAF scheme encourages and supports activities at a community level to increase understanding and uptake of energy efficiency measures and renewable energy technologies.

The purpose is to explore ways to help local people and businesses save on their energy costs and make their long-term energy supply more secure.

DHCDT is working with local specialists, the Devon Association for Renewable Energy (DARE) and the North Tawton Environmental Trust to deliver the intense programme of work, including energy audits of homes and community buildings, plus hosting community awareness events such as the information morning last weekend.