PENSIONERS in Flackwell Heath will now travel in style after their new minibus rolled up.

Age Concern bought the minibus after raising £29,000 for the vehicle, £12,000 of which came from a grant given by the Bucks Free Press.

The grant from the Free Press came through the Gannett Foundation, run by our parent company.

The new Renault van which has been specially designed with a low step door for easy access arrived on May 24 to the delight of the pensioners.

Barry Walmsley, chairman of Flackwell Heath Age Concern, said: "The bottom line is that some people will now be able to get to the day centre who previously would have had to stay at home."

Other benefits of the £29,000 vehicle include a fuel burning heater and a tail-lift for wheelchair passengers to get on board.

Mr Walmsley added that the pensioners were looking forward to using their new mode of transport and were grateful to all those involved in helping make it possible.

He added: "They will have a more comfortable ride, and certain people we couldn't pick up, because they had to remain in their wheelchair, we will now be able to carry."

In addition to the grant, the other £17,000 came from fundraising which began more than a year ago by the Flackwell Heath and Loudwater Day Centre. Age Concern also received major contributions from Flackwell Heath Golf Club and Buckinghamshire Masonic Centenary Fund.