Community transport volunteer drivers for Braintree District Council have been praised.

Sixty-five volunteers were invited to an informal "thank you" event last week.

Braintree Community Transport provides for people whose needs are not met by public transport.

It includes the social car scheme for individuals and minibus scheme for groups. The drivers of both schemes were invited to the council's offices at Causeway House for a chance to meet each other and the office-based co-ordinators.

Four drivers, Eric Mackintosh, Patrick McWilliams (Mac), Roy Simpson and Sean Andrews were especially thanked, as they have each completed more than 1,000 passenger journeys for the scheme.

Lead member for community needs, Cllr Lynn Green, said: "All sorts of people and local groups benefit from the contribution made by the volunteers who drive their own cars or one of our minibuses.

''Their care and time is so valuable to the people they help that they deserve special thanks - without them there would be no community transport scheme at all."

Sheila Wright, community transport co-ordinator, said: "We just wanted to show how appreciative the council and the members of the community are for the drivers. This is a real community scheme and I know people are really grateful for what the drivers do."

More drivers are still required for both of the schemes, particularly in the Braintree and Witham areas.

"If you are aged between 25 and 70, have a clean driving licence, have a couple of hours to spare a week and want to get involved in a worthwhile scheme, then we would love to hear from you," said Sheila.

If you would like more information about the schemes, you can contact Sheila on 01376 327357.

Thank you: Cllr Lynn Green with four of the community transport drivers, (l-r): Donald Chalker, Eric Mackintosh, Terry Middleton and Stephen Buckingham.

By Clare Berrett

Reporter's e-mail: clare.berrett@essex-chronicle.co.uk

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