THREE new schemes designed to give people in Herefordshire's rural areas better transport links have been unveiled this week.

Residents in a number of parishes around Hereford will benefit from a car service run by the Plynlimon Trust, which could enable them to get to medical services, shops and leisure facilities.

Herefordshire Mind is also on board by offering people with mental health problems better access to their services and a project by Voluntary Action will increase the number of charity drivers in the county.

The Herefordshire Rural Transport Partnership showcased the schemes at the group's meeting yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon.

Herefordshire Council's lead planner Richard Ball explained where funding for the services will come from.

"This partnership has been successful in attracting nearly £400,000 of funding into the county to develop these transport services," he said.

"The money will come from the European Union and the Countryside Agency, as well as local sources such as the Primary Care Trust."

The council's director of the environment Graham Dunhill said: "These schemes will make a real difference to many people who face increasing isolation and social exclusion due to the lack of adequate transport. This represents a significant achievement."

For more information on the new schemes and to offer your services as a volunteer driver contact the Rural Transport Partnership Officer, Paul Paice, on 01432 262970.