DEVIZES and District Link, the good neighbour scheme that helps elderly and disabled people with lifts to medical appointments and shopping trips, has reported a four-figure loss for the second year running.

Because of the deficit between the amount contributed by users and the amount paid in expenses to volunteers, treasurer Hywel Thomas told the organisation's annual meeting at the Wyvern Club on Thursday that it had lost £3,384 in the year ended March 31.

This follows a loss last year of £4,272 and Mr Thomas said that, if the situation continued, the group's reserves will be used up within two years.

Devizes Link is one of the largest such organisations in Wiltshire, fulfilling 2,762 requests for help last year with a rota of less than 30 volunteer drivers. It attracts much support from the local community and recently former mayor, Margaret Taylor, handed over a cheque for £1,500.

But Link does not charge for its services and relies on contributions from its users. Although it received £15,337 in contributions, it had to pay out £19,167 in expenses to its volunteers, who use their own cars and give up their own free time.

Recently, the group almost had to shut up shop for three months after one of its co-ordinators, Ros Chillingworth, retired and her colleague, Jo Skinner, gave notice that she is pregnant and will have to take three months' maternity leave.

Chairman Pete Cousins, who was re-elected for another year, appealed to the community for more support, both in terms of donations and volunteers, and asked members to think up ideas for fund-raising. President Lewis Cowen intends to run the Bristol Half Marathon in October in aid of Devizes Link and is asking for sponsorship. Anyone who can help is asked to phone Mr Cousins on (01380) 724755.