KEYS to a wheelchair taxi exchanged hands last Thursday, thanks to funding from local organisations for a new service for wheelchair users in the Tavistock area. The longwheeled VW transporter fits two wheelchairs and can seat one carer on the side, and still have room to the left of the driver for two more. The project was launched earlier this year when Tavistock Area Disabled Fellowship Club was approached by several people to expand the availability of vehicles for disabled people in the area. The club approached Tavistock Area Support Services who carried the project forward in partnership with the club. The bus was funded by the Clare Milne Trust, the Devonian Trust and The Pennon Group, as well as personal donations from the family of Jenny Hopkins, a resident at Chollacott House Nursing Home, who was the first passenger of the new vehicle. The bus was provided by GM Coaches. TASS will be running the vehicle from The Anchorage Centre using their volunteer drivers, but there is still a need for more volunteers, and as the bus is small there is no requirement for a special licence. Training to secure the wheelchairs will be available to all new drivers. Contact Andy Lyle at the Anchorage Centre on 01822 616985 for more information. Andy said: 'I have already got enquiries for people to use it on Christmas Day. It is absolutely fabulous.'