A trip to the shops can be a costly affair even before villagers stock up on their provisions.

But for Mollie Maughan - and many like her in Rostherne - an escape to town is now as easy as picking up the phone.

For a new dial-a-ride service has started and has made the £7 taxi trip to Knutsford a thing of the past.

"I was like the Queen Mother in state when this huge great big buggie came to get me," she said.

"Except mine was even bigger than hers."

Mollie, 80, was fussed over by the driver and dropped off and collected from exactly where she wanted.

The service is available to anyone living around Knutsford who can not use ordinary buses because of their age or a disability.

With a few days notice it will go as far as Wilmslow, Altrincham, Chelford, Siddington, Gawsworth and Macclesfield between 9.30am and 4.30pm on selected weekdays.

It means Mollie can see an old friend at her Wilmslow home for the first time in a long time.

"I used to have to meet her in Altrincham so it will be lovely to get to her home," she said.

For details about the service call 01625 613522.