Free digital doorbells given to vulnerable people

Shirley says her new digital doorbell is "very helpful and reassuring"

Vulnerable people are being given free digital doorbells to boost their security.

Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust (WBVT) is installing the devices to support disabled adults, pensioners, and people experiencing domestic abuse.

Shirley, who is in her 80s and lives in Corsham, Wiltshire, said she was very happy to have had one fitted and finds its presence "helpful and reassuring".

The equipment works using a smartphone or tablet and generates video of anyone calling at the door.

The bells work via a smartphone and can store images on the cloud for retrieval at a later date

As well as seeing callers, people can also communicate with visitors through the device.

Shirley said it helps her family to know she is secure.

"It's a great help to me and my children," she said. "They realise if it helps me, it is helping them."

Vincent Logue works for the Bobby Van Trust installing the bells and providing home safety and security advice

Several councils have donated grants to the trust to fund the work, including Corsham Town Council which gave £490.

David Martin, chief executive of the council, said making sure Corsham is a "safe and healthy community" is one of their priorities.

"We are passionate about improving people's lives," Mr Martin said.

"We support measures to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour, and the request from the Bobby Van trust fitted well with our own aims."