PRESTON'S army of home helps have been told to 'get on yer bike' in a bid to beat the town's crippling petrol crisis.

Social Services chiefs drafted in 40 push bikes at the start of the week to help ease the escalating fuel emergency -- making it easier for the 30-strong team of home carers to get to the region's most needy elderly and disabled people.

Carers Pat Jenson and Angela Lamb (pictured) are both saddled up and ready to move out when the call comes.

Pat, 51, a home carer in Leyland for the past 14 years, said: "We have to get to our clients -- it's as simple as that.

"We don't care how we get there as long as we get there. Our clients are the most important aspect to all this, so as long as they continue to get the care that'll be OK."

Steve Williams, general manager for Lancashire County Care Services based at West Cliff, Preston, vowed that home help services across Preston and Leyland would not be affected by the fuel crisis.

"After an emergency meeting over the weekend, we decided to buy these bikes to make absolutely sure we can deliver the service that people expect and deserve.

"We are very confident that we can still deliver these services -- irrespective of the current petrol problem."

Preston's motorists are still feeling the brunt of the on-going petrol crisis as drivers scour the town in search of fresh fuel supplies.

Police chiefs are appealing for calm after a sudden surge in 'panic buying' of food. Stores up and down the region are having their shelves stripped of essentials such as bread and milk -- with many now claiming to have completely sold out.

The panic has been sparked by fears that lorries carrying food supplies will be prevented from getting through due to petrol shortages. At an emergency meeting on Wednesday evening (September 13), Preston council introduced fuel rationing so essential services such as refuse collection and urgent council house repairs can still be delivered across the borough.

Specialist transport is to be laid on by the council so essential core staff including welfare and benefits workers can make it into work.

Preston police are maintaining a "business as usual" approach meaning there will still be a police presence in the town.

But, fire chiefs are still anxious about motorists hoarding fuel.

Lancashire's assistant chief fire officer, John Williamson said: "Stored fuel presents a fire and explosion hazard and it's something I must emphatically advise against."

Lancashire's Ambulance Service is reassuring people that the crisis will not affect 999 calls.

David Hill, chief executive of Lancashire Ambulance NHS Trust said: "We have adequate diesel stocks at our ambulance stations to ensure we can provide a normal service for the immediate future."

As for public transport, Stagecoach Ribble has announced a skeleton service from Wednesday September 13. For details of services call (01772) 254754.

Leyland's Fishwick's buses have cancelled some fringe services including the 116 to Preston via Lostock Hall, except the 7.50am and 8.55am at peak times. Otherwise the bus company is maintaining a normal service. For details about services call (01772) 421207.

Meanwhile, garages who have recently acquired petrol and diesel are telling frustrated motorists that they will have to pay an extra 3p a litre.

The department of Trade and Industry has said that two garages in Preston will be singled out for receiving the first of the fuel if tankers are allowed through the haulier's picket lines.

These include the Total garage, in Victoria Road, Walton-le-Dale and the Elf garage, in Preston New Road, Newton, near Preston.