A volunteer bus driver who helps deliver a lifeline service to the most vulnerable people in Inverclyde is urging others to come on board

Greenock man Tommy Monkhouse told the Tele that joining the team at Inverclyde's Voluntary Council of Social Services is the one of the best decisions he has ever made.

The vital transport service, which supports Craigmarloch School and the Fitzgerald Centre, has launched an appeal for new recruits.

It comes after their funding was cut by Inverclyde Council's grants to voluntary organisations committee.

Tommy, 67, of South Street, said: "It is one of the best things I have ever done joining IVCSS. I can't recommend it enough.

"I have learned so much and met so many brilliant people. I take people to the Fitzgerald Centre and I have a great bond with them.

"I loved doing the school run as well.

"It is such a great service and I don't know what we would do without it."

The Tele reported last week that the lifeline transport service, which works with both education staff and social workers, had its grant cut from £50,000 last year to just £25,000.

They rely on a pool of 22 dedicated voluntary drivers like Tommy to deliver their service.

Every day they transport around 200 pupils, people with additional support needs and elderly people from their homes.

Tommy, who has volunteered for the two years, said: "I was put in touch with them by Your Voice after I retired.

"I worked for Fishers Laundry for 35 years and then local coach firms. I was looking for something to do."

The service relies on the support of local businesses and individuals to support their cause.

Callum Boyd, of IVCSS, said: "We are a dedicated pool of volunteers but we are always looking for more people to join us.

"It is voluntary and people are giving up their own time."

Anyone who could help support IVCSS by joining their pool of voluntary drivers should call Callum Boyd, based in Lynedoch Industrial Estate, on 791939 or 07929153421.