Ref. 73136-76HACKNEY carriages await residents of a Swindon nursing home left wondering if Christmas would happen.

Yesterday we told how a transport mix-up threatened to put paid to the pensioners' festive bash.

But within hours of the Adver hitting the streets, Lynn Plumstead, manager of Fairhaven in Old Town, was inundated with kind offers from taxi drivers.

Now the group of 19 led by 104-year-old Rose Saunders will travel to the venue in a convoy of black cabs.

Mrs Plumstead had hoped to use family firm G.Line, to take the group to The Friary restaurant in Abbey Meads in December.

But she claims that the firm refused to send her confirmation of the booking.

She tried some of the town's larger companies, but they all said they couldn't take pre-bookings. Malcolm Curtis, 53, who runs his own one-man business, MC Taxi, was first to answer the distress call.

He quickly rallied seven cabbie pals before giving Mrs Plumstead the good news.

Mr Curtis said: "The guys in the rank were all upset to hear that the pensioners' party would have to be cancelled especially when one of the residents is 104.

"Everyone gets old one day people need to remember that."

All eight drivers have agreed to do the job for free.

Delighted Mrs Plumstead said she been overwhelmed by the response.

"The drivers have said that they will not accept a penny," she said. "I can't thank them enough. This will really make their Christmas.

"The response to the article has been absolutely overwhelming the phone hasn't stopped ringing.

"I have received more than 50 calls from people.

"The story has clearly touched people's hearts.

"I would like to extend my thanks to everyone who offered help. We really appreciate it."

Sadly, Miss Saunders, who turns 105 on Christmas Eve, was not feeling well enough to talk to the Adver last night.

But Mrs Plumstead said she would be thrilled by the news.

Previously, the centenarian said: "If I had a car I would drive everyone myself.

"I hope I don't have the disappointment of not going as this will probably be my last Christmas."

Jeff McGarry, manager of G.Line, strongly denied letting the pensioners down.

He said that the firm only has two vehicles suitable and both may be sold between now and December 14.

Kevin Shoesmith