A POPULAR club for the elderly has been saved after new drivers stepped forward following a plea from organisers.

As previously reported, the Heatherlands Centre in Ferndown, run by Age Concern, was at risk of losing its weekly club for pensioners after their former driver was forced to step down because of his age.

Now two new volunteers have come forward to help out every Thursday transporting the club's members to and from their homes to the centre at Barns Road.

Group coordinator Elizabeth Adey said: "Now we have got drivers it means keeping the place open. It is just brilliant."

Andy Walton and Alex Willson are the two volunteers, taking over from Ray Dean who will continue to show them the ropes for the foreseeable future.

Mr Walton said: "I could do one day a week to help out to keep it open. I enjoy driving and I enjoy meeting people. It was a no brainer."

Mr Willson added: "I have worked in the community for most of my life. It's nice to help out."

Pat Hoddy, acting vice chair of Age Concern, said: "It got really critical in October when we lost our driver."

Mr Dean, 81, was forced to step down from his post - which he had kept for a number of years - due to the insurance company's policy conditions on the maximum age for drivers.

The club would have been forced to close at the end of this month had it not been for Mr Walton and Mr Willson, Ms Hoddy said.

People who have long been on the waiting list to attend the club might now be able to join.

Ms Adey said that the club could still use more volunteers so those currently helping are not required to do so every week.

Anyone keen on helping out at the centre should call Ms Hoddy on 01725 516487.