CJ Contract Travel Services is offering free transport to vaccine appointments and help with essential shopping to elderly and vulnerable Barry residents.

The business usually offers transport for schools and disabled people, but staff felt that it was "the right thing to do" by giving free lifts to those in need.

The vehicles will be sanitised, and social distancing applied throughout the trips.

"It was surprising how many older people and disabled people were stuck inside," said a member of staff.

"The vaccines scenario, they seem to be sending disabled people further away for their appointments.

"We were mindful of how much it would cost them to travel there. For example, we're taking an older gentleman to get his vaccination at Pentwyn tomorrow evening.

"If he were to get a taxi there it would cost him the best part of £70. They haven't got that kind of money.

"We're here anyway and are getting money off the council in various ways for routes that can't run, so we're passing it back out to help where we can.

"Some people who live away phone us to ask if we can help their parents, as well as ringing themselves.

"It's surprising to see how many people don't want to ask for help. You've got to look out for people. So many are vulnerable."

CJ Contract Travel does not want to residents to feel it is profiting off the pandemic, having seen the costs of PPE driven up by others.

"Before the pandemic it was £4.50 for a case of rubber gloves, and now its £145 a case. There are people profiteering from it.

"We don't want to come out the other side and have a business but have people say it's because we were profiteering off it.

"It just seems right to give a bit back."

Residents can ring the service on 01446 722296 to arrange for their collection time to and from their vaccine appointment.

They can also ring to arrange shopping and can either give their list to a staff member to buy for them or be driven to the shop to buy their essential items.