VITAL transport services offered by Malvern's Community Action are under threat because of a lack of volunteer drivers.

About 1,500 elderly or disabled people in and around Malvern benefit from the car and minibus transport provided by the charity, based at Belle Vue Terrace.

But a shortage of eligible drivers means that the services are in jeopardy, unless new volunteers can be recruited.

Community Action's chief officer Jacci Phillips said: "Bookings have gone through the roof and there just aren’t enough volunteers to cope with demand. When we take bookings, we have to prepare people that we may not be able to fulfil the booking."

The service provides lifts to people attending medical appointments, going shopping and on other errand, and to appointments such as the hairdresser.

"Community Action relies on volunteers and without them the service can’t survive. This is distressing for the clients as they know and trust the drivers and love the security of travelling with them.

"Whatever time you have to spare would be very valuable to the charity. If you could donate an hour a week that could mean the difference between someone getting to a vital hospital appointment or not. The older people who use the service depend on it and without the volunteers they wouldn’t be able to get out at all."

She said that Community Action currently operates seven days a week, but that depends on getting more volunteers to keep the service running.

Demand will increase further as winter sets in and the charity fears that putting even more demands on the current volunteers will overstretch their goodwill.

Drivers get a mileage allowance and undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check, and anyone that volunteers will soon find out that it is extremely rewarding to help older people keep their independence.

Anita Farrer, who has been a driver for the last three years, said: "I love helping people get out and about. They tell me how much they enjoy the drive to their appointments and for some it’s the only time they’ve been out that week. I would urge everyone to give up a few hours a week. You will love it."

If you think you could help Community Action, contact 01684 892381 or info@communityaction.org.uk.