Two MPs paid a visit to the Wiveliscombe Area Partnership, a charity that serves residents of both their Somerset constituencies.

The recently elected Liberal Democrat MPs, Rachel Gilmour for Tiverton and Minehead, and Gideon Amos for Taunton and Wellington, visited the West Somerset charity to learn about the work it does and to see its community transport vehicles.

The charity's community transport service is an essential lifeline for many in the area, particularly those who are rurally isolated.

It provides door-to-door transport, taking people to important medical appointments in Taunton and Wellington.

Established in 2002, the charity started its Wivey Link service with just one vehicle and now has five, including four with wheelchair access.

All are operated by volunteers.

More than 600 residents are registered with the transport service, many of whom have no access to public transport.

The service has completed more than 12,000 journeys in the last year alone.

Phil Gadd, a volunteer driver, shared his experiences: "I have been volunteering since 2010, and I do it because I know I can be a real help for people who don’t get out the house from week to week."

Pauline Homeshaw, chairman of the charity, added: "We are thrilled to meet with our new representatives, not only to show them the important work that we do in their constituencies but to hear about their interests and plans.

"Charities like ours have been hit hard in recent times and it is heartening to hear that Rachel and Gideon are as passionate as we are about the issues that impact our rural community."

Mr Amos said: "Taunton and Wellington really benefit from the Wivey Link community transport as it plies its way bringing people in and out of town for shopping, medical appointments and for other reasons.

"The fact that the charity provides this at reasonable cost is vital to many local people who wouldn’t be able to afford to get here otherwise.

"The Partnership is also saving the health authorities huge amounts of money as they would otherwise have to provide transport”.