VOLUNTEER car drivers are needed to help dozens of people across Cumbria.

Cumbria County Council runs a social car scheme which sees volunteer drivers give lifts to people to help them get about or do shopping, socialising or attending groups.

The county council has around 320 volunteer drivers and co-ordinators but needs more to lighten the load on current volunteers.

Cllr Keith Little, the cabinet member for transport, said: “Offering transport to people in your local community is very rewarding and enjoyable, and many of our volunteer drivers spend years helping out.

"People who can’t get about by their own means rely on our fantastic pool of volunteers and we are seeking to extend this pool further.”

Under the voluntary social car scheme, there are different types of volunteering that people can sign up to, including:

• Volunteer car drivers – pick up neighbours and drive them to their desired destination

• Volunteer minibus drivers – helping non-for-profit groups to go on days out

• Volunteer co-ordinators – help recruit drivers, publicise the scheme, arrange drivers and process claim forms.

The county council says volunteer car drivers must hold a full driving licence and be under 76 years of age.

Volunteers are reimbursed 45p per mile to cover expenses for any journeys that they make. Minibus volunteers must have the entitlement D1 on their licence.

Priority areas for volunteer drivers locally include Ambleside, Windermere, Kendal, Kirkby Stephen, Sedbergh, Orton/Tebay, Shap and Ulverston.

To find out more, contact 07788 396 194 or 07584 883 781 or email integrated.transport@cumbria.gov.uk