TRANSPORT charity Basingstoke Dial-a-Ride has played host to Basingstoke and Deane’s first citizen.

The charity, based in Sherborne Road, is one of three organisations being supported by the Mayor’s Charity Appeal which is being championed by Mayor Councillor Roger Gardiner.

Cllr Gardiner said: “Having been out with Dial-a-Ride, I was impressed by the service and realise how vitally important it is for so many of the borough's residents.

“Users say they would be lost without it and really appreciate the service. This is funding well targeted, and I am glad to have it as one of my charities this year.”

Founded in 1985, the charity helps people who cannot drive or use buses.The bookable door-to-door service was the first in Hampshire and one of the first in the UK.

Basingstoke Dial-a-Ride service manager Stan Emery said the charity has seven buses – five are supplied by Hampshire County Council, and two are owned by the charity, one of which was paid for by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

“We currently have 1,354 registered users and cover around 300 square miles, and in a year, we provide around 34,000 passenger trips,” said Mr Emery.

Mr Emery said the charity is grateful for the Mayor’s support.

He added: “On most days, demand exceeds capacity, but this is a service that is vital for a lot of people, providing them with a lifeline and allowing them to do things like go shopping, take part in social events and visit the doctor.”

Among the volunteers who help keep the service running smoothly is John McKay, a former telecommunications manager, who also served for 24 years in the Royal Signals.

“I have been a Dial-a-Ride volunteer for 18 months and I love it,” said John. “It’s a good way of using my spare time now that I’m retired, and it gives me a chance to speak to an awful lot of interesting people with different experiences of life.”