A LAST minute deal has been struck to save a vital community car scheme from closure.

Rural Rides, the long-running car scheme which sees volunteer drivers take people to the hospital, doctors and the dentist, among other appointments, was run by the Royal Voluntary Service.

However, the group recently withdrew its support saying the scheme was no longer "sustainable".

Community Transport Wyre Forest (CTWF) has now stepped in to take over the running.

Chief officer Beverley Coldrick offered to help Rural Rides when she heard of the possible loss of the service.

She said: “I know how important this service is to local people, and I knew I was in a position to help it continue. I was impressed by the desire of the volunteers to continue their support of the community.

"Given the short notice given of closure, there was no time to start a new operation. It was an obvious solution to bring Rural Rides under the CTWF umbrella."

Previous users of Rural Rides are being advised to call 01299 405820, any working day, between 9am and 2pm to register with the new operator.

The volunteer drivers have agreed to transfer to CTWF, so familiar faces will turn up as usual.