A COMMUNITY transport scheme in York run by two retired ambulance workers is looking for more volunteer drivers to meet growing demand.

The driving forces behind York Wheels are former ambulance service workers Mike Parry and Tony Ellison.

The voluntary organisation is available to those who, by age or disability, find public transport impossible to use.

York Wheels takes patients on journeys to medical appointments and on shopping trips. They are asked to contribute towards the running costs.

Mr Parry, 55, of Haxby, said he began to take a more active role in the service when he retired.

He said: "I was one of the officers involved in the launch of York Wheels in 1986 when it was administered by the Ambulance Service.

"We are currently trying to build up the number of volunteer drivers to cope with the level of work because it is a lifeline for many people."

Mr Ellison, 58, who lives in Fulford, worked for the Ambulance Service for 20 years, during which time he was principal control officer in the accident and emergency control room.

Soon after his retirement he joined his former colleague, initially as a voluntary car driver. He now works in the offices at York Hospital, planning journeys.

Mr Ellison said: "It's great getting back into organising journeys and meeting the public again."

York Wheels runs 10 cars every weekday and has 30 volunteers on its books.

It is funded through grants from City of York Council, North Yorkshire County Council and York Health Services NHS Trust.

Last year, the non profit-making registered charity completed 30,000 patient journeys by car. Its minibus dealt with 97 different organisations.

Telephone York Wheels on 01904 726791.

Updated: 08:45 Wednesday, March 26, 2003