WITH Christmas just around the corner, Okehampton and District Community Transport Group is on a desperate hunt for volunteers as it finds its resources increasingly stretched.

The group provides transport for elderly and rurally isolated people to hospital and medical appointments, and social visits.

The group has recently lost three volunteer drivers, and due to the busy nature of the Christmas period and illness, several of its other drivers are unavailable.

Sue Wonnacott, co-ordinator of the group, said: 'We are very much on the lookout for new volunteers, particularly in Okehampton, where the bulk of our users are based.

'We have had a few new drivers in the outlying villages, but we really do need some drivers from Okehampton to help out.

'We have lost a few drivers recently, and we have others who are off and are long-term sick.

'The problem is we are not picking up drivers to replace them at the moment.

'We are having to turn down requests from people, which is not good. That is something we never like to do, but it is the reality at the moment.'

Though the organisation is primarily looking for volunteer drivers who live in Okehampton, volunteers who live in nearby villages and towns are always welcome.

The transport group pays its drivers 45p per mile and also indemnifies your no claims bonus and policy excess.

Volunteers can spare as much time as they like, from a couple of hours a month upward. Drivers with relevant experience can also volunteer to drive the wheelchair accessible vehicle on trips.

If you would like to volunteer or wish to find out more about the group call 01837 55000.

The group's ring and ride service will run as normal up to and including Tuesday, December 24.

The service will then take a break until Thursday, January 2.

The community car service will be running for medical and hospital appointments throughout the Christmas period, subject to availability of drivers.

Please give as much notice as possible, as the office will be closed from 4pm on Monday, December 23, and will not re-open until Thursday, January 2.

To book a place on the January 2 service, please call the co-ordinator Sue Wonnacott on 01837 55000 before 4pm on December 23.

There will be no reply to answerphone messages until this date.

For more information call the office on 01837 55000 or visit http://www.odctg.co.uk">www.odctg.co.uk