ORGANISERS of a charity which was launched yesterday have been so overwhelmed by the early response they are already hoping to expand.

Ring-a-Ride was set up to replace the Darlington Dial-a-Ride scheme which closed last month because of financial problems.

Its two buses were unveiled yesterday, but the Darlington and District Youth and Community Association (DDYCA), which is running the service, already believes there may be scope for extra hours and vehicles.

The charity acts as a taxi service for elderly and disabled people across Darlington borough, and has initially taken on its predecessors' hours, from 8.30am to 5pm, with weekend runs by arrangement.

It will utilise two vehicles, one which holds eight people plus three wheelchairs, another which takes six people and two wheelchairs.

Mick Moat, a trustee of DDYCA, said the initial response had been marvellous.

"It's been absolutely crazy. We certainly hope to be able to develop the service, both in terms of the number of vehicles and we would also like to develop the service outside of the existing hours," he said.

Dial-a-Ride closed due to financial difficulties faced with rising fuel and insurance costs.

The charity contacted Darlington Borough Council for help, but when the authority's auditors checked the accounts, it recommended the finances be investigated by the Charities' Commission and informed police.

An investigation by the commission is ongoing.

The council has put a total of £75,000 into the new scheme, covering £45,000 starting-up costs and funding until March 2003, and £30,000 to buy the vehicles.

Gordon Pybus, of Darlington Association on Disability, has set up a users' group which will act as an independent panel of advisors, and can be contacted on (01325) 489999.

To use Ring-a-Ride, call (01325) 483344.