A CHARITY which provides lifts for the elderly, disabled and infirm to go shopping, attend appointments and socialise is urgently seeking new drivers.

Communicars needs volunteers from Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale to join its team.

It is run by Community Volunteer Service and relies on people giving up their own time for free and using their own cars to transport people.

Their drivers complete approximately 1,200 journeys per month between them and the service is used by around 700 people.

All volunteer drivers get their expenses reimbursed.

Jean Cormack, 86, from Bacup, has been using Communicars for more than 10 years.

She said: “I don’t drive and started using the service in order to be able to visit my husband, but now I use Communicars for shopping and visiting friends.

“It’s an excellent service that has made a huge difference in my life.

“Without Communicars I would have to rely on taxis.

“The volunteer drivers are very helpful and help bring my shopping in.

“The pricing is more than fair and I often feel I should give more than what is asked for.

Maurice Lomax, 75 is a volunteer driver and is also from Bacup.

He said: “I have been a Communicars driver for about 10 years now.

“I moved with my wife to Bacup from down south upon retirement.

“Sadly just eight months my wife passed away.

“Becoming a volunteer driver gave me a purpose.

“Being new to Bacup at the time the passengers helped me to get to know the surrounding area

“ I give my time, passengers give me an education.

“I drive great people and enjoy the varied conversations with passengers.

“I consistently get fantastic feedback from passengers about how much they love the service.”

Communicars is particularly looking for drivers from anywhere in Rossendale.

Shaun Dodds, from the Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale CVS, said: “This role is ideal for retirees and part-time workers and is suitable even if they can only provide a few hours one day a week.

“That’s more than enough to make a significant difference in your local community.”

People can call the Communicars dispatch team on 01282 412096 to discuss the volunteering opportunities in more detail.