ELDERLY and disabled citizens are now being offered extended opening hours by Worcester Wheels, the local community transport scheme.

Starting this week, the telephones in the centre's The Tything-based offices will be manned between 10am-4pm on Mondays to Thursdays and 10am-2pm Fridays.

The extended hours are possible because of a response to pleas for more volunteers.

"I am really pleased that a number of volunteers have responded to our need for afternoon assistance," said Helen Burton, the co-ordinator of Worcester Wheels.

"In the mornings our telephone lines are red hot and a number of clients have had difficulties getting through to the office because of the number of calls being received.

"And although we have an answer-machine available in the afternoons, many of our clients are reluctant to use it.

"Therefore, to be able to offer our clients the opportunity to ring until 4pm on four afternoons each week should be very beneficial."

The number to ring, as before, is 01905 724274.