WINCHESTER'S taxi drivers are doing exactly what they set out to do and more.

As previously reported, the fundraising initiative Cabs for Jabs is taking elderly residents to and from their vaccination appointments for free.

In less than two weeks the scheme has seen more than £8,000 raised and provided around 65 trips.

But the volunteers have not stopped there.

Leader Tim Perry said: "We're also helping other towns and cities start their own #cabs4jabs fundraising efforts.

"So far we've helped Tonbridge, Brighton and Southampton get started and are getting enquiries from many other towns. Across all the fundraising efforts we've raised over £15k.

"We've been taking people all over Winchester borough to their Jabs - as far as field as Stockbridge, Medstead, and Wickham as well of course in the city.

"It's really clear that many people especially in rural areas would not have made their appointments without our help. We had one gentleman from Lockerley which is the other side of Mottisfont who needed to get to the Holiday Inn.

"There's just no way he could have done that journey on public transport.

"We urge all Winchester district residents to visit Go Fund Me search on Winchester cabs for jabs and please donate."

The Winchester scheme needs to reach £20,000 to provide a total of 1,000 free rides to and from vaccine hubs, ensuring all vulnerable people in the community can attend their appointments.

To book a taxi call 01962 884343.

To donate to Cabs for Jabs, visit: https://bit.ly/3shtKei.