COMMUNITY transport charities in Holsworthy and Launceston have won a share of the Department for Transport's £25-million Community Transport Minibus Fund.

More than 300 local charities and community groups across England will receive new minibuses.

The funding will help elderly residents, people with learning and physical disabilities and those who do not have access to a commercial bus service.

The minibuses will improve the everyday lives of people in rural communities and provide a vital link to medical services, shops, and social events.

When it was announced in late 2014 that the Government had set aside the money, Launceston Community Transport Partnership's transport manager Les Smith sorted out the vehicle requirements, and treasurer Moira Wilding produced all the figures that were required, enabling the bid to be submitted within the deadline.

The scheme permitted applications for one or two buses but Mr Smith said: "The prospect of asking for two new buses was very appealing but we had to be realistic. We're only a small set-up and we couldn't justify requesting a second, especially as the Government requires that they only be used for genuine community transport operations, which precludes their use for contract hire."

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.