THE organisers of a minibus service that provides vital transport for people living in isolated areas are calling on Darlington residents to get involved in the scheme.

Since its launch, the Tees Valley Transport Brokerage Project has provided more than 3,000 journeys to 550 people living in isolated areas of East Cleveland.

The service is run by the Tees Valley Rural Community Council (TVRCC) and takes groups and individuals on shopping trips and social outings.

It often becomes a lifeline for those who use it, and organisers are appealing for residents living in isolated areas of Darlington to sign up.

Doff Pollard, chief officer at TVRCC, said: “We want people to let us know what their needs are so that we can understand how best we can help them."

Services provided by the project have been made possible using “idle time” of locally-owned, community minibuses.

Following its expansion to Darlington, organisers are also appealing for minibuses and volunteer drivers, who will be given the necessary training.

Project officer Steve Metcalf said the scheme not only provides much-needed transport, but also provides revenue for minibus owners.

“Often these groups are extremely thankful for the service, as you are helping them to live a normal lifestyle like you expect to do,” he added.

“For the drivers it is a chance to do something really worthwhile – you come home feeling like you have actually made a difference to someone.”

The scheme is being piloted in Brafferton next month after the village lost is regular bus service, operated by Arriva, in January 2012 after the subsidy provided by Darlington Borough Council was withdrawn due to budget cuts.

Since then, residents have been left with a three-quarters of a mile walk along an unlit country road to their nearest bus stop in Coatham Mundeville.

Sadberge and Whessoe councillor Brian Jones urged residents to take advantage of the scheme and said: “Some of the villagers are seriously talking about moving back towards the town because they feel so stranded.

“This service is really good news. It follows a lot of hard work by TVRCC and I hope the people of Darlington will make the most of it.”

The pilot service, which launches in November, will run every Tuesday for a month.

For more information and to register for the service call 07949-049822 or 01642-213852.