A NATIONAL Health Service Trust has gone into the daily rental business with six Vauxhall Astras in what is believed to be the first fleet contract of its kind. The South Kent Community Health Care NHS Trust has taken delivery of the 1.4 litre five door models in order to launch a pool car operation.

The Trust's car scheme manager Anne Connell said: 'What we have created is a non-profit means of transport for eligible staff requiring short term vehicle assistance. In turn they will be charged a daily rental rate which will cover our operating costs and overheads.' The cars will be used by district nurses, health visitors, midwives and occupational therapists when their own vehicles are out of action.