A COMMUNITY transport service has just registered its 500th passenger.

Since its inception almost three years ago, the 45-driver service run by Banbury’s Volunteer Connect organisation has helped clients make more than 4,500 journeys. It is supported by Cherwell District Council and has now been extended for a further two years.

Most passengers use the service to attend medical appointments. But others have been taken shopping, to social events and to visit family members in care homes.

Manager Pip Dealtry said: “When we started, I couldn’t imagine we would reach these numbers. Now we operate throughout the Cherwell area.

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“We have an incredible team of drivers who give their time freely and who often go the extra mile by supporting our service users finding the right hospital department.”

For volunteer Mike Shann, 59, from Hanwell, driving passengers is not just a service but a social experience.

He said: “It’s amazing. You talk about all that has gone on and what they have done. You have some fantastic conversations. I tend to take quite a lot of the same people and we usually sit and have a cup of tea and a biscuit at their house.”

Mike is retired and has been volunteering for about six months. He drives for up to 25 hours a week, with routine trips to Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital lasting as long as six hours. Despite the waits, he said helping passengers was deeply rewarding.

He added: “The whole thing is co-ordinated well. I think it’s a brilliant service, and unique.

“People are so pleased with the service and how they’re looked after.”

To get involved, call Sharon Graham on 01295 221442 or email sharon.graham@banburycab.org