A VITAL service that helps people living in rural areas around Launceston to travel to town is to be boosted thanks to an award of £20,450 from the Big Lottery Fund (BIG).

The Launceston Community Transport's Little Red Bus project received the funding from BIG's Reaching Communities programme, which aims to help those most in need and build stronger communities.

The money will see an increase in the number of people benefiting from the Little Red Bus' dial-a-ride. The service offers affordable, reliable transport to people who live in isolated rural areas surrounding Launceston and who don't have access to any public or private transport. It enables them to travel to Launceston to shop, socialise and access healthcare and other services. People using the service are charged £2 single or £3 for any return journey and those who hold concession passes can travel for free.

Les Smith, co-ordinator of Launceston Community Transport, said: "The day the Big Lottery Fund called to say that we had the funding was the best phone call we could have hoped for. It will give the Little Red Bus life for the next three years and the people in and around Launceston access to the service, which is so needed in Cornwall."

Mark Cotton, Big Lottery Fund Head of Region for the South West, said: "This project is making a real difference in the lives of many people who live in isolated areas around Launceston and I am delighted that we are able to provide funding so that more people will be able to access this lifeline. The Little Red Bus Project is an excellent example of how the Reaching Communities programme enables local organisations to provide huge benefits for vulnerable people across the South West."