An Abergavenny taxi driver has won a Good Citizen Award for what one customer describes as ‘always going that extra mile’.

Abergavenny Community Police, Monmouthshire Voices and Monmouth People First joined forces to organise the award of a special tankard for Rob Shephard, owner of Cymru Cars and Fast Cars on the suggestion of Sarah Griffiths and Beth Watkins who, like many others in the disabled community, are grateful for Rob’s support.

Sarah describes him as ‘an amazing person’ and says nothing ever seems like too much trouble for him.

"Due to problems with hospital transport Rob has taken me to appointments and if he can’t take me himself he arranges an alternative for me. Once I was left on the side of a road by a taxi driver, which put me off using taxis but I’ve had a totally different experience with Rob because he makes me feel safe,” she said.

Beth, who lives in Raglan, added, "I have been in situations with other taxi drivers who have made me feel very uncomfortable by rushing me when I am transferring from my wheelchair, but with Rob he helps me maintain my balance and fills me with confidence, because I know he won’t let me down and nothing is too much trouble."

Recently Beth waited at Abergavenny bus station to catch the last bus home but was told by the bus driver she couldn’t get on as another wheelchair user was already in the one designated wheelchair space.

Beth was left at the bus station with no charge on her phone knowing there was no taxi she knew of that could accommodate her electric wheelchair - and even if there was she would need more money than she had for the fare. She also knew there was nowhere accessible for her to stay the night.

She decided her only option was to navigate her way to the Bailey pub which is run by Rob and his daughter Abbie, who is the landlady.

Once she reached there Rob dismantled her wheelchair and helped her transfer into his taxi.

If it hadn’t been for his help Beth says she has no idea how she would have got home that night.

If anyone else has experienced similar problems using public transport please email Mary Allan from Monmouth People First: [email protected]