THERE was high praise for Dinas Powys Voluntary Concern (DPVC) at the charity's AGM from the Acting Older Persons Commissioner for Wales.

Kelly Davies was the guest speaker and said to the audience that the aim of the commissioner was to make Wales a better place for older people. The commission aims to ensure that those organisations who deliver services are up to scratch. That includes health, GP practices, councils and community services.

She said that it was always thrilling to visit DPVC which she said was a "wonderful example of a local charity."

John Fanshaw presented the Annual Report and reported that the charity can rely on the support of a large number of willing volunteers. The Befriending and Well Being Service was said to be thriving with an increasing number of users and volunteers.

More than 1900 people are transported to the Dinas Powys Medical Centre. In addition, more than 3,200 passengers are carried in the DPVC Minibus on visits to a local supermarket, the Wednesday afternoon club and to St Mary’s Church. DPVC’s volunteer transport coordinator, Janet Flye, makes sure that these visits run smoothly and efficiently. Pat West, volunteers to staff the DPVC office on Thursdays and, in addition, regularly updates the charity’s database records.