A new community car scheme to help villagers get to vital services like the doctors has been set up in Breckland.It has been six months of hard work, but on May 1 Bawdeswell Parish Council will launch its new community car scheme.

A new community car scheme to help villagers get to vital services like the doctors has been set up in Breckland.

It has been six months of hard work, but on May 1 Bawdeswell Parish Council will launch its new community car scheme.

The scheme will be run by community volunteers and has been developed to help people who do not have access to their own or public transport to get to essential medical appointments in a very cost effective way.

The cost of a journey is 20p per mile per passenger.

For example a return trip to Dereham hospital from Bawdeswell will cost �3.

Rob Walker, sustainable communities manager at Breckland, said: "The parish council and Breckland are delighted to support projects like this, which make a really positive difference to the lives of so many people.

'The scheme wouldn't work without the support of our loyal group of volunteer drivers, who we are continually grateful for.'

Volunteer drivers have had CRB and medical checks and have attended first aid training.

They use their own cars, which have been licensed and insurance checked, and receive support towards running costs which comes from both fares and from Breckland Council and the Parish Council.

Drivers are not tied to any regular commitment - as a volunteer the only commitment is when they agree to make each trip.

Angela Shannon, community co-ordinator for the Bawdeswell community car scheme, said: "This is a great way to meet and help people in your local area.

'If you enjoy driving and want to use some of your spare time then we want you to get in touch with us.'

Anyone who would like to help can contact 01362 688111.