A VOLUNTEER driver is leading the campaign to encourage more people to get behind the wheel of a van to support those affected by dementia.

For the last seven years, Harold Roggeveen has volunteered to collect regulars to Clevearc’s Day Centre in Guisborough, from towns and villages around east Cleveland.

The 77-year-old, who worked in Holland, Australia, Northern Ireland and the UK in the meat industry before settling in Guisborough, said: “It’s so rewarding. You get a feeling that you’re giving something back to society and it’s very worthwhile.

“When I was retiring I didn’t know what to do with myself. I’ve always worked with lots of people and I was about to suddenly stop. Volunteering here gave me a connection to people again and that’s important.

"I would certainly urge people to give it a go. You don’t need to commit straightaway, just come out with one of the drivers and see what it’s all about. Come and see if it’s something you could do.”

The team of volunteer drivers is organised by Clevearc’s Malcolm Himsworth but, with some volunteers leaving recently, the team is now short-staffed and he is looking for more volunteers.

If you think you could help Clevearc and the regulars at the Day Centre get in touch with Malcolm on (01642) 611110 to find out more.