A UNIQUE new scheme that uses the humble household fridge to store information that could help elderly and vulnerable people in emergencies has been launched in Colwall.

Data Link is an emergency information scheme promoted by Neighbourhood Watch and run in conjunction with the emergency services.

"In an emergency, the emergency service attending will see a Data Link sticker on the back of the front door," explained Alun Llewellyn, Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator for Colwall.

"They know that means they should go to the fridge, which will have another sticker on the front. Inside a container in the fridge door is a form with all the person's medical information, any medical problems, medication, next of kin and so on."

The containers used are old film containers donated by pharmacies and photographic companies.

Colwall residents can sign up to the scheme at a number of locations in the village, including the pharmacy, the doctors' surgery and John Goodwin.

"It's very very simple and this is why I think it will be successful," said Mr Llewellyn.

"There are a lot of elderly people in Colwall and this could save lives."

Dr Jonathan Pearce, at Colwall Doctors' Surgery, said the idea sounded great.

"Anything that gives the emergency services an idea of what a patient's medical condition is always welcome. It saves a lot of uncertainty, it sounds wonderful," he said.

Kate Ioannides, at the Village Pharmacy in Colwall, also praised the idea. But she expressed reservations as to whether those in most need would come forward to register with the scheme.

"I think it's very good but whether the people that really need it will do it I don't know," she said.

"It tends to be those most in need that don't come forward."