VOLUNTEERS celebrated the arrival of a new long-awaited community minibus after receiving about £30,000 in donations.

The award-winning Wye Valley Volunteers launched their new minibus after a year’s fundraising, earlier this month.

The group, which received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service last year, asked one of its clients to officially declare the vehicle in use.

Jean Jones, 100, travelled to Bourne End Library on Thursday, September 11, to celebrate the new arrival and cut the ribbon in front of benefactors and dignitaries.

Nearly seventy donors, volunteers and other friends of WVV gathered to welcome the minibus which came with sparkling new livery including the Queen’s Award logo.

Amongst the benefactors to help raise the £28,900 of the £35,000 needed were the rotary club, Bourne End Inner Wheel and local parish councils, as well as others.

The new minibus will be a great addition to the Wye Valley group, they have said.

Group chairman, Douglas Fergusson, said: “Thanks to the generosity of local and private groups and people, we will be able to get our new minibus.

“We started fundraising last year and had to raise just under £36,000 to be able to purchase it.

“The group needed a new minibus as it helps people in the community get around.

They are hoping their new vehicle will be without mechanical problems over the next few years and will allow them to transport elderly and disabled people.

Whilst supporting the volunteers own services of coffee mornings, luncheon clubs, shopping trips and the occasional outings to gardens, it will also be available for hire by other community groups.