DISABLED people stranded at home after their transport lifeline collapsed are celebrating its re-launch.

A full-time driver, Keith Morgan, has been taken on by Leominster-based Community Wheels to run a special "wheelchair friendly" vehicle fitted with a rear tail-lift.

As well as driving passengers to and from their homes for shopping trips and outings, Keith is linking up with Leominster Shopmobility to take battery-operated "scooters" out to the villages.

The aim is to help wheelchair users socialise and get about independently in their own areas.

Scheme manager Naomi Vera-Sanso said the re-launch of the Accessible Vehicle Service had created a lot of interest.

People who used the service and who were let down when it collapsed last October, because of a funds crisis, were now getting back in touch, said Naomi. Trips to Birmingham and elsewhere were being planned.

She said:"This is a much-needed service which was missed by wheelchair users and their families when it had to be withdrawn.

"We are delighted that it can now operate with Keith as the full time driver."

Naomi said the service was saved with a "generous" cash boost from the local Eveson Charitable Trust and by forming a partnership with Sure Start Leominster, a project helping families with young children.

The special vehicle, a Fiat Scudo, can take up to five passengers or a combination of one or two wheelchairs and two/three additional passengers. The line for bookings is 01568 615785.

l Community Wheels North Herefordshire wants to recruit more volunteer drivers with their own cars for its community transport scheme.