A SUCCESSFUL car share scheme operating in Malvern has just extended its operations over the hills to Ledbury.

Malvern Hills Car Club has just acquires a smart Peugeot 1207, the latest addition to its fleet which will be made available to drivers in the market town.

At a time of increasing financial uncertainty for many, this voluntary not-for-profit organisation, which is open to all, offers well-serviced reliable cars at a fraction of the cost of maintaining your own.

This latest addition to a fleet of 12 vehicles owned and maintained by the Malvern Hills Car Club is supported by the Malvern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, as part of its mission to support sustainable initiatives in the area and cut carbon emissions.

Enthusiastic members of the club - which numbers nearly 90 households - offer varied reasons for belonging, chiefly the huge savings made if you use a car less than two or three times a week or do very few miles, which is estimated to be around £800 per year.

Other attractions are the reduction in carbon footprint, the opportunity to do away with a second household car, the freedom from unexpected maintenance and repair bill and the wide range of vehicles for varying requirements.

Most members have a car within five or ten minutes' walk from their homes and there are cars located near each of the local railway stations.

The vehicles available for all members to use include an electric car, a seven- seater with roof box, tow bar, camping trailer and bike rack, and also a 4x4 pickup.

Members can check availability and book cars as far in advance as they wish, by phone, email, text or web.

Cars are then accessed via a keysafe, with the time used and mileage being charged for - any fuel bought is reimbursed. A £20 joining fee and £5 monthly membership is all that remains to pay.

Club spokesman Robin Coates said: "More and more people are taking advantage of this innovative and low cost way of having access to a car, a second car or a different type of vehicle for those special trips. Now it's Ledbury's chance to get in on the act."

For details of the club and its cars, visit malvernhills-carclubs.org.uk, or call Mr Coates on 01684 540284 or 07973 721809, or email robin@robincoates.com.