A BUS service that helps people who find public transport a struggle celebrates its 30th birthday today – July 30.

Lydney Dial-a-Ride started in 1984 with two London-style cabs but now runs a fleet of 15 fully-accessible minibuses.

They connect Lydney, Coleford, Cinderford and the surrounding areas as well as operate seven rural bus services, a volunteer car service and three charity shops.

Today marks the 30th anniversary of Dial-A-Ride being incorporated as a charity and to celebrate the three shops will be hosting birthday parties with free cake.

Manager Louise Currie said: "The service is for anybody who struggles with transport access – if they can't get on buses or they're in a wheelchair, need door-to-door or don't have their own vehicle.

"It is absolutely vital because we make thousands of passenger journeys every year to social clubs, doctors appointments, the library and more, enabling them to get out into their communities.

"The charity now employs 37 staff, has 15 voluntary car drivers and 17 volunteers and trustees. Last year alone, Dial-A-Ride undertook 27,695 passenger journeys, with a further 5,676 passengers travelling on the Forest Community Transport routes and 1,591 volunteer car trips covering 218,605 miles.

"What a fitting end to a fantastic 12 months – we saw the move into Lydney bus station and now a chance for us to celebrate this fabulous milestone.

"Of course none of this would be possible without the people who use our service, our hard working staff and volunteers and the public who have so generously supported us over these past three decades."