A HUSBAND and wife team have been recognised as 'heroes' of community transport in Okehampton.

Alan and Lin Perrott, of North Tawton, joined Okehampton and District Community Transport in 2009 to give something back to the area and have got as much out of it as they have put in.

They were honoured for their roles as volunteer driver and carer at a special ceremony hosted by Devon County Council.

The association's co-ordinator Sue Wonnacott said the couple, who transport the elderly and vulnerable to hospital and other appointments, always made sure the clients were settled back into their home after the return journey and often did errands for them.

'Some of the clients would not be able to attend their appointments on their own without extra care,' she said. 'They are happy to liaise with the family, who often live a long distance from their parents, advising them of their well being and information provided by the doctor/specialist etc.'

She said Alan and Lin had also helped with fundraising events, including spending long days at Okehampton Show on the association's stand for the last two years.

'They are valued members of our committee and take a very active role in the group,' added Sue. 'They organise Sunday lunch trips with our seven-seat wheelchair accessible vehicle which are very much enjoyed.'

Lin said she and her husband had always enjoyed helping people and had always worked together in business when they were farmers in Chagford.

'We wanted to give something back to the community and I always say to people if it was the other way around they would do it for us,' she said.

'I hope the Okehampton and District Community Transport Association will still be around for when we might need it.

'It is wonderful to be recognised but we do not do it for accolades. We see everyone as friends and get as much back as we put in.'