A small band of voluntary drivers have helped transport 200 patients to hospitals outside Inverclyde this year

Patient transport is one of the vital services run by the Inverclyde League of Hospital Friends.

Six committed drivers, including retired sailor Alistair Miller, give up their own time help people in need.

Now they are hoping to attract new drivers so the charity can help even more patients.

Alistair, from Gourock, said: "I have been doing this for 12 years and I like it.

"I enjoy the chat and helping people.

"I plan to keep going as long as I can.

"I have been all over the place in Glasgow, Dumbarton and Ayr.

"Most people we take have to go to Glasgow and I usually do it about once a week."

League of Friends stalwart Enid McDonald, who retired last year after many years working at the charity's tea bar in Inverclyde Royal, has never forgotten the support she had from the service.

The 79-year-old from Brisbane Street, Greenock said: "When my late husband Jim needed a liver transplant in the Edinburgh Royal they took us to appointments.

"It just took the stress out of it completely.

"It meant I could look after him and care for him on the way.

"I couldn't drive because I had to look after him.

"The driver used to help me once we got there.

"They would chat to you all the way, make sure you had everything you needed when you got there and then made you laugh on the ways home.

"It is something you never forget."

Enid was a volunteer with the League of Friends for 40 years, continuing to help after her husband died at the age of 75 four years ago.

Co-ordinator Wilma Simpson, from Gourock, wants to help other people benefit from the service but urgently needs new drivers.

She added: "We get so many letters of thanks and donations from people.

"Our service offers transport to hospitals out with Inverclyde.

"We take only one patient at a time and they can be accompanied by a friend or relative.

"Our drivers are all volunteers and are exceptional in their commitment to giving a a reliable and efficient service to all those seeking help in attending hospital appointments.

"We have taken patients to hospitals in Glasgow, Dumbarton, Edinburgh and Ayr and drivers receive a petrol allowance paid at the end of each month."

The transport service is part funded by Inverclyde Council.

To access the service, phone the assessment and care management team at Greenock Health Centre on 715010.

To volunteer as a driver contact The Helen Wyllie Tea Bar by calling 07858385183 or 07974994069.