FAST, easy and not a chance of a parking ticket booking a taxi in north Wiltshire couldn't be easier and there are plenty of first-class firms to choose from.

Car owners know that a simple trip to the shops can often turn into a nightmare, with queues to park and astronomical parking charges before you even reach the stores.

What could be better then, than being picked up from your door, dropped conveniently close to your destination and then being chauffered home afterwards?

All taxis in north Wiltshire are vetted to provide their customers with the highest standard of service.

All drivers undergo medical and criminal checks when applying for their licences and every taxi is subject to an MOT every six months, from new.

Tim Northey is owner of the area's largest taxi firm, Easy's, based in Sheldon Road, Chippenham and said he is proud of his company's excellent reputation.

"Easy's was set up by Ian and Sue Simpkins around 25 years ago and I bought the company from them when they retired last year," explained Mr Northey.

"Easy's has a great reputation for being a safe and reliable way to get around and has 15 cars in its fleet.

"Around 80 per cent of our business is done over the phone and we have a regular and committed customer base, including a great many pensioners, who do not have their own transport but who rely on us for their trips to doctors, supermarkets and even the Post Office."

Easy's offers free phones in Chippenham's Hathaways, Marshfield and Rowden doctors' surgeries and also takes bookings for airport runs and holds accounts with local businesses.

Pensioners can also take advantage of a cut-price voucher system, giving them a 20 per cent discount on their fares details are available from all Easy's drivers.

Another taxi heavyweight in the area, is family-firm Webb's, based in Bumper's Farm, Chippenham.

Set up in Malmesbury, more than 20 years ago by founder Norman Webb, the firm's cars have become a common-place and reassuring sight across the district.

Boasting 15 cars in its fleet, including people carriers for group trips, Webb's always does its best to get its fares to where they want to go, on time.

The company also offers a vehicle rental service, for people who are unable to use their own cars and need to get hold of transport, fast.