A PROJECT helping elderly people in rural communities get to their doctor is proving a success.

Deerness Valley Car Scheme provides transport to GP surgeries and health clinics for elderly people and those with disabilities who cannot use public transport.

Gladys Watchman, from Bearpark, who used the scheme, said: " I have trouble with my feet and my nearest chiropody clinic is a couple of miles away in Ushaw Moor.

"I can't walk far, there are no suitable buses, and I just can't afford to pay for a taxi.

"Now I can just contact the car scheme and a driver takes me to and from my appointment."

Since its launch in October, the initiative has attracted half a dozen volunteer drivers from the community who provide a door-to-door service for about 15 users.

It is funded by the Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme, Durham County Council and Durham and Chester-le-Street Primary Care Trust's local advisory groups.

But organisers said more people can access the project.

Durham County Council's rural transport partnership officer, Stephen Metcalf, said: "There's been a steady increase in users since the launch but we know there are still many more people in the Deerness Valley who could benefit from it.

"Winter weather can make it more difficult for older people to get about and, instead of missing an appointment or struggling back and forwards to the surgery, they can give us a call.

"The scheme is primarily for GP appointments but we also cover any other health appointments."

For details, contact Carol McAllister on 0191-389 1155.