ANYONE who is able to spare a few hours of their time is being asked to volunteer their services to help older people get to hospital appointments.

Tavistock Area Support Services (TASS) is asking people to join its group of volunteer drivers to allow the growing number of people from outlying villages requiring the service, to access their hospital or GP appointments.

Kevin Mathison, transport office co-ordinator for TASS, said: 'We are here to help older people find the best way of accessing hospital and doctor's appointments from our area, but to do this we need more volunteers in the Tavistock area, especially in the outlying villages. The volunteers truly make a difference to the lives of older people.

'I have been in post for just 12 months, but over that time we have seen a large increase in the number of older people needing voluntary cars to access their appointments.

'Anyone who could spare two to three hours a week to volunteer to help us meet this demand would be welcome.'

Mr Mathison added: 'If you feel you would be able to help, please call me and I will be more than happy to discuss how you could make a difference in helping people get to their appointments.'

TASS is soon to be taking part in the Just Ask campaign, which is an initiative by community groups in Devon to develop a county wide brand for local community transport groups such as TASS. The campaign will be launched in Tavistock at the end of April.

Andy Lyle, manager of TASS, said: 'This is an opportunity to come and find out by just asking what is available to our parishes through the work undertaken by local transport groups within our area.

'The campaign is set up to get people to just ask for the solution. TASS offers a range of transport solutions within Tavistock and outlying villages and hamlets.

'All people need to do is just ask either by phone or email. In most cases there is an answer to their transport needs.'

More information about the campaign is available at http://www.tfyc.org.uk">www.tfyc.org.uk

Anyone who would like to volunteer their time or people who require the use of the voluntary transport service, contact Kevin Mathison on 01822 617525.

For more information about TASS and its services call general enquiries on 01822 616958.