RURAL pensioners and people with disabilities could benefit from a council taxpayer-backed bus and car service.

The charity Worcester Wheels Community Transport is running a service under the Rural Transport For The Elderly scheme, offering subsidised transport for people who need to get out to do a grocery shop, make a hospital, doctors, or chiropody appointment, or the hairdressers.

Those eligible are the elderly and disabled, who are unable or have no access to public transport.

European Union money and cash from Worcestershire County Council and Malvern Hills District Council is helping subsidise the service to the tune of £1 a journey, although fares apply for each trip. The charity is running the service in parishes around the city, including Kempsey, where the parish council heard a presentation on the service.

The other areas are; Alfrick, Bransford, Broadheath, Broadwas, Cotheridge, Doddenham, Grimley, Hallow, Holt, Kenswick, Knightwick, Leigh, Little Witley, Lulsley, Martley, Norton, Powick, Rushwick, Suckley, Spetchley, Whittington, and Wichenford.

Worcester Wheels also need volunteer drivers (25 and over) to drive the service-users around – anyone who can spare anything from an hour a week and upwards.

“If drivers can join us they are reimbursed for 45p a mile so they are not out of pocket,” said Sally Ellison, from the charity.

“You can volunteer an hour or five days a week but we do urgently need more drivers for the area.

“We want to develop the service and get as many people registered to use it, but also we need drivers.”

Asked if volunteer drivers would be covered by insurance, Mrs Ellison said the charity had its own policy which would provide cover including a letter which drivers could provide to their insurers.

“The driving is classed as social work, not as hire and reward,” she said.

“Your no-claims is also protected and we also do an induction for new drivers, and offer further training if required.”

For more details, call the charity on 01905 724274.