AN organisation based in Bude, which provides vital transport services to those in need has put out a call for more volunteer support.

Age Concern, based on Princes Street Bude, is hosting a recruitment drive to support some of its vital work.

Residents may know Age Concern as a good place for a bargain, but what they might not know is Age Concern Bude is a small, local charity, not connected in any way with the national charity bearing a similar name or any other charity. All of the volunteers running the charity and the shop are just that, volunteers. There are no paid workers, not even the departmental managers.

All of the money raised from the shop sales, donations and legacies are spent on Bude people; providing local people aged over 50 with transport to medical appointments all over Cornwall and Devon.

A spokesperson for the shop said: “Bude is a wonderful place to live and work but as you get older travelling to and from hospital appointments in Exeter, Barnstaple, Plymouth and Truro or even the doctors or dentist in Bude, can be very difficult, as the public transport is very limited and taxis are expensive and not always available. Unless you can drive, or have family who can drive you, without the transport provided by Bude Age Concern many people would be in very dire situations.

”Despite the hard work undertaken by the many volunteers, Bude Age Concern is very dependent upon donations and especially legacies left in wills by grateful clients. The chairman expressed his sincere thanks to everyone who has made a purchase in the shop, made a donation or left a legacy in their will.

“Many of the volunteers have been helping the charity for many years and lately Bude Age Concern has sadly lost several of their more senior helpers. They ask if you could volunteer a few hours each week?

“Either in the shop, the back room sorting donations, the office taking requests for transport, or as a driver.”

Those that are interested are asked to contact 07914 231084 or email [email protected]