ROCKABILLY star Imelda May is lending her support to a bid by the QE2 Hospital to recruit more volunteer drivers.

The Dublin-born singer and her guitarist husband Darrel Higham got involved after a relative, who is a volunteer at the East and North Herts NHS Trust, told them there was a shortage of drivers covering the Welwyn Hatfield area.

The voluntary car service helps patients with mobility or transport difficulties get to appointments.

Imelda, who is preparing to go on tour with jazz ace Jamie Cullum, said: “This is a fantastic service but they really need more drivers if it’s going to carry on getting better.

“Anyone who wants to be part of something really special should go and help.”

There are currently 10 drivers who cover the QE2 area and Janis Hall, the trust’s voluntary services manager, said she would like to at least double that number.

She said: “Getting to a healthcare appointment can be a real headache for some people.

“If you do not own a car, live in an area where public transport is limited or perhaps are just a bit too frail to get there under your own steam, it becomes a big problem.

“The success of the service depends on our volunteers and as the service is growing fast, we are looking for more volunteers to help out on the road.”

She added anyone who enjoyed driving and had a few spare hours a week could apply to be a driver.

Mrs Hall added: “We know our volunteers lead busy lives so we make things as flexible as we can.

“We encourage our drivers to work when they want to and there is no pressure to work a set number of days each week. The more drivers we have, the better the service gets.”

To apply or for more information, call Mrs Hall on 01438 781285 or 01707 365535.