VOLUNTEERS behind the Bedale community minibus have launched a fundraising drive to ensure that the service can continue.

Community minibus schemes in Hambleton, which received grant aid from the district council, suffered a setback when the Government forced the council to introduce concessionary bus fares for the elderly at the start of the year.

Hambleton council said that because there would be a cost of £154,000 to the authority, direct funding of minibus operations would be cut.

After eight years as a rural lifeline, Bedale minibus organisers said that because of the cuts, they were starting the financial year with a shortfall of £3,500.

They are seeking donations, initially to cover running costs of the vehicle.

At the same time, they face the prospect of having to buy a replacement minibus. The existing one has covered about 60,000 miles in four years, and its age has led to operational problems for both drivers and passengers.

The minibus runs services for the elderly and people with physical disabilities and mental health problems, who might otherwise face social isolation.

Minibus coordinator Malcolm Grainge said: "We are non-profit-making and run on a very fine line. With the shortfall we face, we have formed a small fundraising committee to try to redress the balance.

"We are writing to local businesses and organisations trying to cover running costs. The bus is now costing us a bit in repairs."

A spokesman for the council said the Bedale group would be eligible to apply for help from a scheme providing grants towards new minibuses.