I WOULD like to thank all the drivers of the Darlington Dial-A-Ride service for their dedication in helping us all do the normal, every day activities that physically fit people take for granted.

The telephone receptionists always did their best to sort out bookings at suitable times, and the drivers couldn’t have been more thoughtful, considerate and kind.

After six years they were like friends.

Our lives will be poorer now that the council has been given the ideal opportunity to kill it off and do so by blaming the Government public spending cuts.

Ending it on Christmas Eve was a great touch, by the way.

Judith L Reed Darlington.