BUS services in Worcestershire are to be made more accessible to the elderly and disabled, thanks to a new volunteer scheme.

The Women's Royal Voluntary Service is launching the project, which aims to put volunteers on buses to assist people on and off and help them with shopping bags and luggage.

The volunteers, who hope to be in action next month, believe that chatting with elderly passengers will increase their confidence in using the bus services.

The scheme will operate on routes that pass vital services such as the hospital, GP surgeries, shopping centres and railway stations.

"This service is invaluable to people who would otherwise find using public transport prohibitive," said WRVS project manager for the scheme, Allison Cross.

Anyone wishing to give an hour of their time on a regular basis to the scheme should contact Allison on 01299 409150 or 07740 404084