CANCER patients in the Torridge District are now being offered the chance to take part in a trial door to door transport service to North Devon District Hospital.

The new trial service is for cancer patients who need to get to North Devon District Hospital for oncology or chemotherapy treatment. It covers Torridge and North Devon areas Monday to Friday to NDDH for chemotherapy and for any cancer related appointment at local hospitals.

The service, which is funded by the North Devon Cancer Care Centre Trust and co-ordinated by Go North Devon, will collect patients from anywhere in North Devon on any day but the first patient who books for that day will dictate the area of operation. Bookings should be received no later than 2pm the working day before transport is needed.

NDCCCT and Go have worked together for the past 17 years helping North Devon cancer patients who needed to get to Exeter on a daily basis for radiotherapy. However, an NHS funded service is now in place to help patients with these journeys. There is currently no charge for using the new service which is funded by NDCCCT from donations and fundraising.

James Bonetta, chairman of NDCCCT said: 'Our charity began with the goals of helping cancer patients attend appointments and offering support to the chemotherapy unit at NDDH. With the new unit opening next year this new service will combine those original aims and, we hope, help many people in the future.'

• For more details or to book a seat call 01271 314332 Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4pm.