THE founder of a club that helps people to give up car ownership says he is delighted with the interest the project has attracted.

The Option C Car Club, based in Durham, is a membership scheme that allows people to book its two Ford Fiesta 1.4 diesels for as little as half an hour on a pay-as-you-drive basis.

It has been launched by council worker Paul Balmont, 27, from Crook, as a green alternative to owning a vehicle.

He said: "It is going pretty well. We have seven people signed up and the first three are booked up and ready to make their first journeys this week.

"There are another four in the process of signing up. We are ahead of schedule. The reaction to the media exposure we have had has been great, and we also have a huge waiting list."

Scheme members pay a monthly fee of £10 and can book a car online or by phone. There is a charge of £4 an hour and 15p for every mile travelled.

The scheme has the backing of Durham City Council, which has provided parking bays at the city's Sands car park.

Mr Balmont will expand the scheme if demand continues to grow, and could extend it to other towns.

Anyone wanting to join the club can visit the website www.optionc.co.uk