MEMBERS of a sports and social club for |disabled people in Basingstoke are looking for someone to get behind the wheel and save them from closure.

The Dis-Sport Beavers need a new driver to take them on their weekly activity trip to Basingstoke Sports Centre.

Up to a dozen members rely on the club’s minibus to allow them to leave their homes safely and take part in activities including swimming, table-tennis and darts as well as socialising with friends.

The club, which has around 25 members, say that after their previous driver retired, they have had to cancel regular meetings because they cannot get to the sports centre.

But chairman Julian Thomas said the club is a vital social lifeline for members and they are desperate for help to keep it running.

“It is a really important club and, for some of our members, it is not only a way to get out of the house and keep active but also to socialise and make friends.

"We have lots of events like a Christmas party and some people come just to socialise and listen to music together. If we close, a lot of people will lose this vital service they have come to rely on.”

Anyone willing to help drive the minibus on Tuesday nights can contact The Gazette on 01256 337444.