Friendship blooms as service aims to please

Driving Miss Daisy is family to Trix Bryant - staff come at a moment's notice, and you know what to expect when they come.

The companion driving service helps those who need extra support getting to and from places.

Most of their passengers are elderly, but they also support children and those who need a hand getting to and from hospital or medical centres.

Mrs Bryant, who started using the service about two years ago after she had a fall, said it was the most sensible thing she had ever done. Driving Miss Daisy had allowed her to keep her independence.

"They go the extra mile. You know that you can ask and it won't cost you an arm and a leg moneywise. It does give you a certain amount of independence."

Mrs Bryant said the friendship provided was important as well, and the staff became like family.

Service co-owner Brenda Lakeman said that was the difference between Driving Miss Daisy and a taxi service - they cared.

"We take very good care of people who ride with us, make sure they're comfortable, enjoy the experience and arrive safe."

The service has not skipped a beat since Mrs Lakeman and her husband Dayle took over the franchise from Ruth Day three months ago, but Mrs Lakeman said some people still didn't know about them.

"We still come across a lot of people who haven't heard about us and haven't see the bright blue car with flowers on it."