A COMMUNITY transport scheme in County Durham is to benefit from a new minibus.

The bus has been paid for by Blue Peter viewers, who have been raising money all year for Help the Aged.

Angela Dinsdale, of Help the Aged, handed over the keys of the vehicle to Lily Yarrow, honorary secretary of Communicare and widow of the founder Ossie, at Deaf Hill Primary School, Trimdon Station, on Monday.

Communicare provides low-cost, door-to-door transport for older people in Easington district.

Vehicles are designed to accommodate wheelchair users and people with mobility problems.

The charity transports more than 125 older people a week through its vehicle hire to community groups and Shoppabus, a door-to-door transport service to shopping centres.

Help the Aged provided the grant for the new vehicle, which has been adapted to the needs of older people.

Communicare project co-ordinator Liam Weatherill said: "We are so happy that Help the Aged and Blue Peter have helped us to buy our new minibus.

"The provision of a new bus will enhance what Communicare can offer in terms of transport. Additionally, the minibus will be available to the new Communicare hospital visiting scheme, which offers inexpensive accessible transport to local and regional hospitals at scheduled visiting times."

Mrs Dinsdale said: "The new minibus is a fantastic way for older people to maintain their confidence and independence."