'LIFELINE link' bus services in Craven have received a boost after two organisations succeeded in a bid to each get a new minibus.

Both Grassington Hub and Skipton and Craven Action for Disability (SCAD) have learned that they will get a new vehicle thanks to Government cash.

The organisations are among 300 local charities and community groups to benefit from the Department of Transport's £25 million Community Transport Minibus Fund.

The cash is intended to help elderly residents, people with learning and physical disabilities and those who do not have access to a commercial bus service.

Ann Wild, of Grassington Hub, said that their new minibus would be used to feed into services run in partnership with bus operator Pride of the Dales.

She said: "Obviously we are overjoyed and excited by this news. It will help us to make a real difference in providing 'lifeline' services.

"We are going to need at least six more volunteer drivers to operate as well."

The Hub is likely to ask the Department of Transport for a 16-seater minibus with wheelchair space, Ann said.

The vehicle could be in operation in a few weeks as long as enough volunteer drivers come forward.

SCAD chief executive Roy Aldread said they were going to look very carefully at what specifications and adaptations their bus would need.

The voluntary group helps people with disabilities living in the Skipton area.

Roy said: "We are pretty pleased to say the least and we will be thinking very carefully about exactly what we need. We have a 'dial-a-ride' service, school contracts, day trips and various activities to run, so it has to be the best-adapted vehicle for a variety of slightly different jobs."

Meanwhile, the Wharfedale Packhorse minibus service, a joint venture between Grassington Hub, Wharfedale Brewery and the Yorkshire Dales Society linking pubs and restaurants in the Dales with Skipton and Ilkley, is expected to be up and running from April 18.

Volunteer drivers are always welcome for bus services in which Grassington Hub is involved. Drivers must be under 70 and full training is given. Contact Ann Wild on 01756 752222.