WEST Devon's MP has welcomed new government funding to support community transport services and urged local providers to bid for support.

In total, there will be £25-million of new support to provide hundreds of voluntary community transport providers with new minibuses.

Geoffrey Cox said community bus services were a vital part of communities, providing transport for people who did not have access to conventional public transport or who were unable to use it, for example for health or mobility reasons.

This new fund will give them the opportunity to get a new minibus to expand their services or replace an old one.

Any community transport provider will be able to bid for one vehicle, with smaller operators and those in rural or isolated areas favoured.

Mr Cox said: 'This is great news for community bus services in West Devon and Torridge and I urge them to take this opportunity to bid for a share of the £25-million.

'Bus services like these are vital to the rural towns and villages in West Devon and Torridge — so I'm pleased we're supporting these great services who already do so much for people here. This investment in our community is all part of our long-term economic plan, which is delivering a better future for Britain and stronger, more secure communities.'