Darlington and District Youth and Community Association have a new minibus, thanks to the fundraising efforts of the Darlington Lions Club.

Lions president Jeff Kemp presented Mick Moat, Darlington Borough Council's community education co-ordinator, with a cheque for £1,000, bringing the total raised by the Lions towards the minibus to £5,000.

Darlington Mayor Doris Jones was also present at the town hall event.

The project was chosen by Mr Kemp, now in his final month as Lions president.

Money was raised through various ventures, including street collections and a book shop manned by volunteers.

The 16-seater minibus will be invaluable to the Darlington and District Youth and Community Association as it has a tail lift which provides easy access for wheelchair users, and is equipped to carry four wheelchair passengers.

The minibus will be put to good use by Beaumont Hill School and the Lions, who will regularly use it to transport the elderly to various events and functions