A DEDICATED volunteer driver who ferried hundreds of patients to and from hospital has called it a day at the age of 83.

Bernie Langan spent 23 years serving the Inverclyde League of Hospital Friends' patient transport service.

He is one of a pool of committed volunteers who take around 200 people every year to hospital appointments as far afield as Edinburgh.

Organisers paid tribute to one of their longest serving volunteers at a recent presentation.

Volunteer Bernie said: "I love driving and have thoroughly enjoyed volunteering with the League of Hospital Friends these past 23 years.

"I feel that I have provided an important service to the local community.

"I've met lots of people who have very much appreciated what I, and the other volunteer drivers, do.

"I will miss it, but I feel now is the time for me to step aside."

Bernie is encouraging other people to follow his lead and help the league.

He said: "I would recommend this type of volunteering to anyone with time to spare, it is so worthwhile and helps people who otherwise might have difficulty being able to manage to their appointments"

The Inverclyde League of Hospital Friends, who also run the Helen Wyllie Tea Bar at IRH, provide the transport service in partnership with the Inverclyde Health and Social Care Partnership.

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 on 07858385183 or 07974994069.