COTSWOLD Volunteers is looking to recruit new drivers for its essential transport service, which includes the Voluntary Car Scheme and Dial-a-Ride.

On Friday, May 31 the service held an Open Evening in Cirencester for anyone interested in learning more about becoming a volunteer driver. Voluntary Car Scheme drivers give up their time to run elderly, disadvantaged or incapacitated people door to door from home to doctor, hospital, physio, chiropodists and optician appointments.

Cirencester resident Sandra Coleman has been making use of the service after an accident left her with a fractured knee cap and unable to make her own way to medical appointments. “I was relying on expensive taxis but then I found out about the Voluntary Car Scheme service. They send one of their volunteer drivers. It’s a wonderful service and half the cost of a taxi.”

But it is not just the cost that appeals to Sandra. “It’s a far more personalised service and they have a small team of volunteer drivers rather than an anonymous driver. They are all fantastic and wait for me even if my appointments overrun.”

Volunteers also drive the Dial-a-Ride minibus which offers Cotswold residents essential trips into town, shopping or to the post office. The service also has a wheelchair adapted car which can be hired out to people who want to drive a relative in a wheelchair out for the day.

There are around 25 volunteer drivers at present, giving up anything from one hour to several hours a week, but the service is expanding and needs more drivers to come forward.

Voluntary Car Scheme car co-ordinator Lisa Hepworth said: “Some drivers have been with us for many years but we also have some who join us for a few weeks when they are between jobs. We are extremely flexible. “Both services are looking for more drivers because we are finding that there is a greater demand. We are also expanding the service and now take people to have their dialysis at the hospital.”

Drivers with the Voluntary Car Scheme drive their own cars, but have their expenses paid.

Winston Lewis, 72, has been a volunteer driver for eight years. With the Voluntary Car Scheme. “I am retired so it is a great way keep busy and meet lots of different people. The office let me know when someone has an appointment but I also have my regular jobs, such as every Wednesday when I take a lady to a nursing home.”

• If you are interested in becoming a volunteer driver for the Voluntary Car Scheme or Dial-a-Ride contact the Cotswold voluntary transport service on 01285 659374 or got to www.cotswoldvolunteers.org.uk