Around 250 people have been helped in some way by a volunteer care service.

The members of Redbridge Voluntary Care (RVC), based in The Friars, Chigwell, have driven people to and from hospital more than 230 times, and to GPs and dentists around 200 times during the last 12 months.

Many were elderly or vulnerable who would have found it hard to keep appointments but for the help of RVC volunteers.

The figures were released at the RVC’s annual general meeting last week at St Peter’s Church, in Aldborough Hatch, Newbury Park.

Nearly 640 people were helped in care homes with jobs such as collecting prescriptions and pensions, shopping, reading mail, filling in forms and contacting statutory services.

To apply to be a volunteer for the RVC, call 0208 514 0980 or visit www.redbridgevoluntarycare.co.uk

Have you been assisted by the RVC? We would like to hear from you. Please call Harry Kemble on 0208 477 3825