HOSPITALS in Worcestershire are to benefit from a free emergency voluntary courier service.

Severn Freewheelers, a group of advanced motorcyclists who provide a free, out-of-hours courier service, have joined forces with Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.

John Rostill, the trust's chief executive, said: "Using Severn Freewheelers provides us with a dedicated courier service for transporting urgently needed medical supplies, samples and clinical information.

"They will be an important link in ensuring the safe, fast transfer of urgently needed items out of hours to support patients across the county."

The hospitals covered are the Alexandra, Worcestershire Royal and Kidderminster.

Each shift will consist of four people - three riders and a dispatcher.

The dispatcher will take calls from the hospitals and plan the route for the evening based on the calls received.

Rob Davies, from Severn Freewheelers, said: "All our riders are volunteers and must have an advanced riding qualification (Rospa or IAM) with a yearly check-ride.

"In short, we are a professional team delivering a professional service, free to the NHS at the point of use."

Mr Davies added: "We are always looking for more volunteers to either ride, dispatch or provide help with fundraising."

Anyone interested in learning more can visit the website at www.severnfreewheelers.co.uk