A group of volunteers have banded to secure a new ambulance for a growing Aberdeenshire community.
Portlethen and District Voluntary Community Ambulance Association has raised £27,000 for a new minibus, which will be used to transport patients to local health services.
But although the group is delighted to now have the new ambulance, members have warned unless more volunteer drivers come forward, the service could be under threat.
The charity has been escorting locals in need of medical assistance in Portlethen, Newtonhill, Muchalls and Cammachmore to Portlethen Medical Centre for nearly 30 years.
But group chairwoman Noreen Harding said it was becoming increasingly difficult to find volunteer drivers, as more people were working past retirement age.
She said: “We are very grateful for the financial support which has allowed to purchase this replacement minibus.
“We are also well supported with donations from local groups and individuals who help us maintain our service.
“Despite this support, our service will be under threat if we are not able to recruit more volunteer drivers. It is getting harder to attract volunteers as the retirement age increases.
“We have a hard core of volunteers who drive on a regular basis but we need more drivers to back them up.
“The volunteering would suit offshore workers, shift workers and anyone who had half a day to spare from time to time.”
The service is mainly offered to older people in need of transport to the centre, but is available for anyone in need of assistance.
It is also used to deliver prescriptions and to take groups such as the Newtonhill Lunch Club on outings.
To find out more about volunteering, call 01569 730420.