A TRANSPORT service for elderly people in remote parts of Northumberland is in desperate need of funding and manpower.

The scheme, run by charity Age UK, provides trips out for users who struggle to get out and about.

Having seen similar projects fold elsewhere due to lack of cash, its bosses have now issued the appeal for help with money and volunteers.

The Age UK Northumberland Rural Access scheme serves people aged 50 and over, with its oldest user having just turned 100.

It covers communities in rural north Northumberland, having initially also served the west of the county.

Every week, the service uses a bus from community transport body North East Equality and Diversity, driven by a volunteer.

The scheme runs days to the coast, shopping outings, pub lunches, the theatre and museum visits.

The next couple of trips include a lunch at Age UK Northumberland’s HQ, The RoundHouse in Ashington, followed by a trip to Asda.

The week after, a trip to Blyth seafront for fish and chips is already fully booked.

Mixed trips are run, as well as men and women only excursions, with the majority of users said to be female.

Users pay £7 per trip and for their lunches.

The service is run by two local women, Christine Chute and Anne Snowball. The duo began as volunteers when there was a team of 11 operating the project, including office staff.

But with that number having been whittled down to just the two of them, they now do everything and are paid for their work.

Christine, who is 65 and from a village near Wooler, has been involved for nine years.

She first signed up as she wanted to help her community and “couldn’t imagine living here and not being able to drive”.

Christine also volunteers for the WRVS.

Anne, 61, from a village near Seahouses, has worked with her for nine years and used to do meals on wheels.

Christine last night said: “Elsewhere in the country, and even close to home, lots of these necessary schemes are having to cease running due to lack of funds.

“We have so many service users in wheelchairs who live in remote homes, and lots of older people who rely on us to break the monotony of their four walls each week.

“Anne and I are so happy doing this job with Age UK Northumberland, and have lots planned for the future.”

But she said the fee paid by service users “does not go anywhere near the cost of the transport”.

Christine added: “We have some fantastic volunteers and could not run the project without them, but more volunteers are needed so that we can take more people out.

“We also need more funds donating so we can facilitate more trips.”

Anyone who can help is asked to contact 0845 140 0088.