A NEW specialised disability-friendly community bus has been received by an East Cornwall community bus company.

The Tamar Valley Community Bus company received the new vehicle, adding to the four it currently has, which will now allow it to carry wheelchair passengers, providing it receives advance notice. The new purchase was made possible thanks to funding support from Calstock Parish Council, Cornwall County Council, The National Lottery and Hanson Aggregates, for which the company is extremely grateful.

Tamar Valley Community Bus serves all residents, young and old, living in the Calstock Parish area and has done so since 1989. The association is a registered charity and is run by a band of volunteers, including the drivers. Operating a mainly door-to-door service, it ha proved to be a lifeline for many parishioners.

Regular weekly services include Callington/Tesco on Wednesdays, Gunnislake village on Thursdays and Tavistock/Morrisons on a Friday.

A variety of trips to the coast, other towns and cities, garden centres and a monthly service to Trago Mills take place on Mondays and Tuesdays. One of the most popular trips is the monthly pub lunch.

The community bus association is actively seeking new members to serve on the committee and is always on the lookout for additional drivers. No PSV licence is required, just a clean licence and a few hours each month to suit. All enquiries to David Atkins, bus secretary on 01822 832998.