A WEST Oxfordshire volunteering organisation that has ferried residents on an estimated 5,000 trips to the John Radcliffe Hospital marked its 35th birthday with a special party.

Volunteer Link-Up, based in Witney, celebrated the anniversary by presenting awards to longstanding helpers, some of whom have given their time to the centre for up to 30 years.

The huge operation sees nearly 180 registered volunteers provide transport and befriend, support and visit people in need.

They provide practical help, including gardening and DIY work, making a huge difference to the quality of life of residents across the district.

Since 1983, volunteers have accumulated thousands of hours driving clients to appointments at the JR and new Volunteer Link-Up chairman Steve Good believes this is some of the team’s most valuable work.

He said: “Our extremely kind volunteers give hours driving people across the district.

“When they take people to the JR it’s a four or five-hour job to take them there, wait for them and drive them home again.

“Being in a rural area like West Oxfordshire, there are lots of villages that don’t have access to regular buses so we really are a vital service.”

The celebrations took place at a special annual general meeting earlier this month, where long service awards were given to about 30 volunteers.

Certificates ranging from five to 30 years of service were awarded, with North Leigh resident Geoff Barrell congratulated for reaching 20 years with the organisation.

Throughout that time, Mr Barrell has driven residents to social and medical appointments, while he also drives people with learning disabilities to their place of work or college.

This is one example of the selfless work performed by volunteers to improve the quality of life of individuals of all ages and abilities.

All this stems from a small HQ at Witney Methodist Church, which has been its base since 1996.

While Mr Good, who is also cabinet member for environment and housing at West Oxfordshire District Council, was keen to celebrate Volunteer Link-Up’s work, he admitted the organisation needed to work harder than ever.

He said: “It’s key to raise our profile but it’s difficult as we’re competing against the big organisations.

“I’m most keen to get younger people involved as they have the energy to keep it going – they’re our future.”

To find out more about Volunteer Link Up visit vlu.org.uk