A LOCAL community bus service is putting on shopping trips in the lead-up to Christmas.

The Blackdown Hills Community Bus will take people from Churchinford to Cribbs Causeway, Bristol (November 15), Bath Christmas Market (November 22 and 29), Exeter Christmas Market (December 13) and a Christmas mystery shop (December 20) for those last-minute presents. These are all Thursdays, 10am-4pm, except Bath, 9am-6pm.

The bus may also be able to pick up from Hemyock and/or Upottery.

The cost is expected to be about £10 but space is limited – November 29 is already nearly full – so booking quickly is advised.

For these trips, phone Brenda on 01823 601612 or email [email protected]

The charity also wants to increase its pool of volunteer bus drivers. Anyone aged 21 or over, has held a full clean driving licence for over two years and/or is D1 qualified – and can spare the occasional day/evening/few hours to drive the Ford 13/14 seater, should contact Paul Thomas on 07801 816892 or [email protected]