A North Shropshire community transport service is making a plea for volunteers to aid its survival.

The North Salop Wheelers Community Bus (NS Wheelers) provide crucial support for those unable to access public or private transport due to a variety of reasons, such as age or economic hardship.

Offering both assistance with individual transport needs and a weekly bus service, this volunteer-run, not-for-profit organisation aims to directly pick up passengers from their doorsteps.

The service, which became operational in 2004, concentrates its routes on rural North Shropshire, connecting villages to the bustling town centres of Market Drayton, Wem and Whitchurch.

However, despite the acquisition of new buses and infrastructural support, the service now faces a threat to its existence due to the reduced number of volunteers.

To combat this, NS Wheelers is hosting an event on Wednesday, May 15, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at the Grocott Heritage Centre in Prees.

The aim of this gathering is to introduce potential volunteers to the service and inform them about its significant work in the community.

Robin Nelson, secretary of NS Wheelers, paints a clear picture of their current situation and the dire need for added help.

He said: "We are in a fortunate position to have secured first-class vehicles and a loyal and committed group of volunteers who are the lifeblood of our service.

"Due to age profile, our volunteer numbers are starting to dwindle and to ensure that we can meet the growing demand and continue to deliver for local people, it’s imperative that we increase our bank of volunteers."

The volunteering roles go beyond merely driving the minibuses or using personal cars to help subscribers reach medical appointments.

Mr Nelson said: "We are also keen to recruit for a number of other roles.

"These include passenger assistants to travel on our buses to host customers and help with loading and unloading shopping, administrative support, marketing and public relations, and anyone with accounting experience.

"We are happy for people to donate as little as half a day a week timewise."

The recruitment drive is also intended to raise the service's profile within the local community.

Anyone needing help with individual transport or wishing to subscribe to the regular bus service can call the Wheelers directly on 07597 273959.