A VITAL service that has helped the elderly and vulnerable in north Wiltshire is in need of volunteers.

The Malmesbury and District Link (MDL) are a team of 41 volunteer drivers transport those unable to drive to access local facilities and hospital appointments.

At a time when rural bus services in the region could be under threat due to cuts to local government funding, the MDL provide an increasingly important lifeline to many vulnerable residents.

The team are looking for two selfless volunteers to replace outgoing members of the team.

Volunteers will work from home and take clients phone requests for lifts, contacting drivers and organising the journeys, between the hours of 9am and 1pm.

MDL chairman, Christopher Blount, said: “The co-ordinators can be flexible and swap their days around.

“They needs to be comfortable with using a computer but no special skill is required and full induction training will be given.”

The MDL was selected as one of this year’s mayoral charities by new Malmesbury mayor, Cllr Wayne Jones.

The charity supported former Malmesbury Town Council member Martyn Snell, Cllr Jones’ father-in-law, and his wife Elizabeth after Martyn was diagnosed with cancer.

Speaking about the work Malmesbury and District Link do, Cllr Jones said: “This valuable service is vital to many of our residents and is financially dependent on contributions from users to help run the service and contribute towards costs.

“However, while the financial support is important, the Malmesbury and District Link are crying out for more volunteers so they can fulfil more of the requests for help made of them.

“Therefore, in memory of Martyn, it is my pleasure to assist them in both areas by making them one of my charities.”

Volunteers should live within the area bounded by Malmesbury, Sherston, Crudwell, the Somerfords and the M4.

For more information, prospective volunteers can contact the MDL co-ordinator and volunteer support officer Fee Knowles on 01666 837967 or feeknowles@btinternet.com