A new minibus, which will provide a lifeline to people living in isolated rural areas of West Devon, will be partly funded by a grant of almost £5,000 from the borough council. The purpose-built vehicle, for Tavistock Area Support Services (TASS), will be able to carry three wheelchairs and ten people and is expected to be delivered in spring 2007. Andy Lyle, TASS general manager, said that fundraising for the new minibus, which will cost more than £34,000, has been going on for almost a year. 'The bus will make a very big difference to the lives of so many people, and to the other charities who we provide transport for. 'We already have three buses on the road and there is a huge demand for them. 'We work closely with people who live in rural isolation and our aim is to help them access activities and groups that will help them remain independent within their community, whilst enjoying life. 'It will just make a huge difference to so many and we are grateful for the wide range of support we have received.' Other organisations who have donated to the minibus include the Dulverton Trust, Beatrice Laing Trust, the Bernard Sunley Charitable Foundation, Garfield Weston, Percy Bilton Charitable Trust, the Pennon Group, and Awards for All. TASS has been delivering a wide range of valuable services for people aged over 55 in the borough for the last 21 years. TASS operates from the Anchorage Centre in Chapel Street, Tavistock and has nine drop in centres across West Devon, including two new centres in Princetown and Bere Ferrers. More than 800 people access its services every week. Support includes giving advice and information, providing domiciliary and volunteer car services. Cllr Jayne Hill, chairman of West Devon Borough Council's environment and community committee, which decides on grant applications to the authority, said the money was going to a worthy cause. 'TASS provides a unique ranges of services for many people in West Devon and the council is only too pleased to help them.'