A SAVINGS scheme for West Dorset people on low or irregular incomes has signed up its 400th member.

The First Dorset Credit Union (FIDO), which offers borrowers a minimal one per cent interest rate and encourages families to manage their money with a range of savings schemes, has grown quickly after being launched in 1999.

Now FIDO officials are hoping to extend the scheme into Weymouth and Portland to help cash-strapped families in the borough.

At the moment the scheme is restricted to people who live or work in West Dorset, but as soon as the Financial Services Authority gives its permission the scheme will also be run from the Portland Centre and St Francis' Church in Littlemoor.

Its 400th member Paul Kimber was allowed to join because he works in West Dorset as a driver for Dorset County Council's Social Services.

Mr Kimber, who is a Weymouth and Portland borough councillor, said: "We have been hoping for a credit union to be established on the island for a long time - people are working very hard towards that goal."

FIDO official Brian Parkhurst said: "We are looking forward to having lots of members in Weymouth and Portland - there are a lot of people who can benefit."

To find out more about the credit union, contact the office on (01305) 257460 or visit the new website at www.fido-cu.co.uk