From lunches to pantomimes, drivers from a transport charity have been busy making sure no one needs to feel trapped by rural isolation this Christmas.

Dorset Community Transport has been taking people on festive outings across the county, including the popular pantomime at Weymouth Pavilion.

The outings enabled passengers – many of whom struggle with mobility and have little or no access to public transport – to leave their homes and experience some Christmas magic this December.

Louis Minchella became a DCT driver earlier this year. He had retired from the fire service and was in search of a way to continue being useful to his community. The best part of his job, he says, is helping to keep those who live in rural and isolated areas of Dorset connected, many of whom he says are very lonely.

This December, he took passengers to Winchester’s Christmas Market, as well as trips to two different garden centres hosting festive displays.

Jeffrey Latimer mainly works in the DCT office helping with the organisation of these trips, but he still occasionally drives, and this year took passengers out to the pantomime.

He said: “It was wonderful taking a group to the panto this year, and to see people out with their friends. Everyone was really excited.

“Although I work in the office now, I still help out with driving when I can because I enjoy meeting people, and it gives me a great sense of satisfaction to be able to help. The predominant message we get from passengers is that they are so grateful.”