VOLUNTEERS at a charity based in Settle are celebrating after taking delivery of a brand new minibus which will provide "a vital lifeline" for the elderly.
The specially-adapted vehicle will be used by North Craven Age UK to help older folk get to shops, hospital appointments, lunch clubs and even to meet family and friends.
The bus, which has been fitted with shelves for shopping and secure storage for shopping trolleys and walking aids, has cost around £40,000.
North Yorkshire County Council gave a grant of £30,000 and the remaining £10,000 has been raised by Age UK supporters in Craven.
About £2,750 of the total came from a fashion show in Victoria Hall, Settle, in April this year, which was organised by Age UK shop manager Debbie Hall and other volunteers.
The bus will join another vehicle already in service and be used for Age UK North Craven’s regular shuttle services round Settle and up to Kirkby Lonsdale.
Sue Bradley, chief officer of Age UK North Craven, said: "The minibus will help us to provide vital lifeline services - such as visits to doctors and dentists - which enable people to continue living independently and helps to address loneliness and isolation.
"We are deeply grateful to the very many people who have helped the drive to raise the money, and of course to North Yorkshire County Council for their support.
"The fashion show was highly successful and we'd like to thank everyone who went along. And there have been very many other fundraising events and many kinds of donations.
"This means we can continue to help elderly and infirm people to get around more easily. For many elderly folk Age UK's services mean they can continue to live independently and have access to lifeline services which can also help to address loneliness and isolation."
The North Craven group is based at Cheapside in Settle and covers the surrounding villages, including Bentham, Ingleton, Clapham and Austwick, Horton in Ribblesdale, Malham, Rathmell, Long Preston and Hellifield and Giggleswick.
The group also provides information and advice on attendance allowances, benefits, housing support and other money matters, and organises various trips, day activities and lunch clubs.
It can be contacted by telephone on 01729 823066 or be email at: info@ageuknorthcraven.org
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