A children's charity is starting a recruitment drive to find more volunteer drivers from Bury.

The Manchester and District Transport for Sick Children has been helping families across the borough by providing transport for ill youngsters to attend health appointments at Fairfield General Hospital and local clinics.

Its existing team of volunteers undertake about 6,000 journeys each year, but the ever-increasing popularity of its service has meant they urgently need to recruit more volunteer drivers.

Graham Fletcher, from the charity, said: "The volunteers drive as often as they choose. Some fill in with perhaps just two or three trips a month while an energetic few make themselves available two or three days a week.

"Trips are local so that long and tiresome journeys are not on the menu. Mileage is reimbursed at 37 pence per mile.

"We know that the volunteer driving service is invaluable to the children and families and is much loved by all. And the volunteers tell us the work is hugely satisfying, the greatest reward coming from doing something really worthwhile."

All trips are booked in advance by the charity.

Anyone with a little spare time who could be interested in volunteering to drive for the charity is invited to give team leader Chris Stevens a ring on 0161 406 6074.