The Ascot District Day Centre is calling for people to volunteer as minibus drivers to transport its elderly residents to and from their Bagshot Road base. Without them the centre may not be able to continue offering the same level of service.

The centre runs morning and afternoon sessions as well as meals on wheels and a specialist day care plus service for more vulnerable residents on Saturday afternoons.

Jackie Mann, manager of the day centre, said the situation was not yet critical but could be if they don’t recruit more volunteers soon. She said: “We are desperate for drivers. Just today one of my drivers who was meant to do the runs and the meals on wheels has had to pull out so now I’m a bit stuck.

“In the past we’ve had regular drivers who do a spot each week and then people who can step in if we need them at short notice, but we don’t have the same number of people at the moment.” The centre currently has 12 drivers and two mini buses, and they would be grateful for any help people can offer.

A current volunteer, Duncan Rayner, drives for the centre four days a week and says the situation will only get worse when he has to step down at the age of 75 in June.

He said: “Companies won’t insure people over 75 to drive a mini bus so I’ve got to step down. It’s not an arduous job, I think it’s fun.

“Transport is a big problem for the elderly and people with disabilities so the service is important and we all know how long you have to wait on hospital transport.

“We can’t let [the centre] fall flat on its face because we can’t get drivers.” The day centre is an independent charity-run organisation which provides events and activities for the elderly of Sunninghill, Ascot and Sunningdale throughout the week – the transport service enables people to make it to the centre safely and securely.

It has operated for more than thirty years and Ms Mann has been managing it for the past seven. She said: “We need as many young people as possible because of insurance but I’d be grateful for anything anybody can offer, even if it’s just one day or an afternoon.” To contact the centre to volunteer or for more information call 01344 624923 or email ascotdaycentre@btconnect.com