THE Launceston Community Transport Partnership trustees have been working hard and progress has been made — the Launceston Comm­unity Bus is on its way!

A brand new bus will be driving round a five-mile radius of Launceston from April, and the introductory service will be on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Initially, there will be three routes, to the east, south and north of Launceston (one day a week for each area).

It will be a demand responsive service so it will only do what it is asked to do. The itinerary will depend on the number of passengers and where they live.

Lavinia Archer, from the partnership, said: "They will not have to struggle to a bus stop to catch the bus, but anyone wishing to use the bus will need to send their details to be picked up."

The bus will also be available for hire on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Lavinia added: "Passen­gers will be required! But it will need volunteers to help keep it on the road, too. Please come to our next meeting at Eagle House Hotel, Launceston, at 6pm on Thursday, February 26 to meet us all over tea, to hear the operational details and to decide where you can fit in. We will answer your questions and offer training dates where necessary."

Some of the things volunteers may be able to help with include: building up data bases of volunteers, sponsors and passengers; stuffing and posting envelopes; managing a 100 club; building and maintaining a website; keeping a scrap book of all the press coverage received; distributing posters and flyers; taking bookings, office help; PR and media contact and sponsorship; volunteer support; driving the bus — on daily runs and/or long distance trips (Truro, Exeter, Tavistock); maintaining the bus; and representing the partnership at events.

Anyone interested in finding out more is invited to attend the meeting on February 26 at The Eagle House Hotel.