A BUS will be setting out on a tour of Dorset on Monday to help vulnerable residents access services aimed at keeping them safe and independent in their own homes.

The Safe and Independent Living (SAIL) roadshow is staffed by advisers from Age UK who will be able to carry out on-the-spot assessments and refer people on.

The assessments could lead to such actions as fitting smoke detectors, undertaking benefit checks, or signposting such services as falls prevention, stop smoking and exercise classes.

The bus will begin its tour at Tesco in Shaftesbury on Monday, then goes to Falkland Square in Poole on Tuesday, Waitrose in Wimborne on Wednesday, Boscombe Market on Thursday and Sains- bury’s in Sherborne on Friday.

Other dates on the tour are Monday 20 at Tesco Blandford; Thursday 23 at Sainsbury’s Christchurch; Friday 24 at Waitrose Gillingham; Monday 27 at Morrison’s Verwood; Wednesday 29 at Age UK Dorchester; March 1 at Boscombe Market, March 2 at St Leonards and St Ives Village Hall and March 7 at Bucky-Doo Square, Bridport.