OKEHAMPTON and District Community Transport Group is to take delivery of a new 15 seater community minibus at the beginning of May thanks to a grant from the Department for Transport.

The minibus is being adapted by GM Coachworks, specialists in wheelchair accessible conversions.

Sue Wonnacott, co-ordinator for the transport group, said: ‘We would like to thank GM Coachworks, and also thank Balsdons Vehicle Services who are sponsoring the maintenance of the vehicle.

‘Thanks to Tyred and Exhausted too, who will be supplying replacement tyres when required, we are extremely grateful for their support.

‘We would like to obtain further sponsorship for other costs including insurance and can offer advertising on our vehicle as an incentive. The vehicle will be available for both community groups and our own lifestyle trips.

‘Our aim is to help everyone not only access healthcare but also social events to improve quality of life, particularly those who are rurally isolated. Perhaps you have a group of friends who would like to visit a place of interest. Please speak to us about any requirements and we will do our best to provide transport. If you have a smaller group we can use our seven seater Peugeot wheelchair accessible vehicle.’

The new minibus will be on display at a community transport awareness roadshow on Saturday, June 4 at Co-op’s car park in Okehampton.

To see a list of trips run by the group, for details on how to hire the new bus or for more information on the group, visit www.odctg.co.uk or call 01837 55000.