DEDICATED volunteers who are the driving force behind Holsworthy's community transport scheme were honoured at a special ceremony last Thursday.

As part of Community Transport Awareness Week, Devon County Council held its 16th Community Transport Awards ceremony at County Hall.

The ceremony, which is sponsored by GM Coachwork who specialise in wheelchair access vehicles and vehicle adaptations, recognises outstanding contributions within the community transport sector.

Volunteer awards were presented to Elizabeth Robinson and Les Slade, both of Holsworthy Rural Community Transport.

They were proposed by Esther Rowe, who said: "Liz is a charismatic volunteer driver, who is full of life, cheer and chat. She has been driving for us for two years now and last year covered a staggering 12,000 miles, averaging five day per week most weeks. Amazingly, she had to have a hip replacement operation in March and we missed her tremendously but she was soon back on board and driving at the earliest opportunity.

"She has her 'usual' clients, who insist on travelling with her because they enjoy the social company she provides, as well as her promptness and careful driving. Liz never says no. She has been known to stay 12 hours at a hospital, not only waiting, but escorting a client into theatre and staying with them afterwards in the recovery room. Last year, Liz drove 116 miles every day for 12 consecutive days, covering 1,536 miles in the month, transporting a client to Exeter Hospital for treatment. The client said that having Liz transport him helped at a very difficult time."

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.