OKEHAMPTON and District Community Transport Group is to receive a new minibus thanks to the Community Transport Minibus Fund.

The organisation is one of more than 300 local charities and community groups across England to receive a new minibus from the Department for Transport's £25-million fund, as announced by Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin on March 26.

Sue Wonnacott, transport co-ordinator for Okehampton and District Community Transport Group, said: 'We put in a bid for a 15 seater minibus, which would be the same size as our current ring and ride bus. With these lanes that our ring and ride service has to navigate we wouldn't want anything bigger.

'With this new bus we have been able to choose the modifications we want on it, as our current one was issued from Devon County Council and their buses are all done in the same way.

'We may run the two buses together, we will have to see what demand is like.'

Following this first round of allocations, the Department for Transport will look to use the fund to support additional schemes this summer.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: 'I know first-hand how important transport providers like these can be to keep rural areas alive and protect the independence of local residents.

'They are often the lifeblood of local communities, so it is only right that the government gives them the support they deserve.

'This £25-million fund will buy over 300 new vehicles, some specially adapted, to help these organisations continue to carry out their important work in the community.

'We have had an overwhelming response, which demonstrates the importance of this fund and I am keen to support similar schemes in the future.'

The winners from across the country will each receive a nine to 16-seater minibus specifically tailored to their requirements — such as disability-friendly access and adapted seating.

The Department for Transport announced the funding and criteria last November and invited applications until January.