The North West Ambulance service has launched a new campaign to increase the number of volunteer car drivers across Lancashire.

The 'star in a car' campaign launched on October 3 and is aiming to recruit more drivers to support the 350,000 patients in the region with additional needs.

At present, the North West Ambulance service has 311 active drivers who provide transport for patients in their spare time.

However, they now needs more volunteers to help provide a more responsive service.

Head of Patient Transport Services at NWAS, Ian Stringer, said: "There are many reasons why people become volunteer drivers but whatever your reason you’ll find it extremely rewarding.

"We will give you all the training you need, and help you with any paperwork or processes linked to becoming an ambulance service volunteer.

"As a volunteer driver, you’ll step into people’s lives for one-off or regular appointments and during that time, you’ll make a huge difference to them and the NHS."

Every day, volunteers across the region drive patients to routine appointments, to support the NWAS Patient Transport Service.

Overall, NWAS says 1.5 million patients in the North West use its patient transport service every year.

Mr Stringer added: "We encourage applications from drivers of all ages, from all communities and cultures."

To join the NWAS team of volunteer drivers, go to www.nwas.nhs.uk/drive or call 0345 112 0 999.