A replacement minibus was handed over to Earby Community Centre following a fundraising campaign.

The community centre paid £30,000 for a 2007 Mercedes 16-seater minibus and took delivery of the vehicle on Thursday from Doncaster-based Excel Conversions Ltd.

“It fits the bill, as the other minibus was 14 years old,” said Bob Abel, a member of the Earby Community Association’s minibus sub-committee.

The newer, low-mileage vehicle replaces a Volkswagen minibus that had served the community since 2000 and had clocked up just over 65,000 miles.

“Over the last 14 years the vehicle has done sterling service providing transport for a diverse range of community groups,” added Mr Abel.

He said that since that time donations and fundraising events had raised £30,000, including concerted efforts within the last two years that had raised £8,000.

Mr Abel said: “It has been a tremendous all round community effort and the minibus sub-committee wishes to express their thanks to all who have made this purchase possible.”

Efforts to replace the W-registration minibus were stepped up after the vehicle was damaged when it was taken on a joyride.