MEMBERS of Middlesbrough Football Club's Disabled Supporters' Association are back on the road behind their favourite team with a £30,000 converted mini-bus.

For the past seven years, members of the association have been ardently following the Boro around in a dilapidated old mini-bus which was bought for £150 scrap value, and was converted by Lookers.

But yesterday, the gleaming new bus, which can carry up to 14 passengers, including seven in wheelchairs, was presented to the members by Boro defenders Gianluca Festa and Robbie Stockdale, at the Riverside Stadium.

The Boro boys presented the bus on behalf of the various businesses and individuals from across Teesside and beyond, who helped pay for the bus.

The vehicle has been mainly funded and sponsored by Iveco Ford Truck and NE Truck and Van, in Haverton Hill.

Between them, they have spent two months converting the vehicle.

It will be used by the disabled supporters as they travel around the country supporting the Boro.

The £30,000 needed was achieved within 12 months thanks to numerous donations and fundraising efforts by Boro supporters and local companies.

NTL kicked off the appeal with a £5,000 donation thanks to the backing of Boro TV presenter Alistair Brownlee.

Teesside businessman Brooke Mileson then presented a cheque for £10,000, and also pledged to fund any shortfall in the £30,000 target.

Extra touches to the bus came courtesy of MSV which donated a sound system.

Active Mobility provided the appropriate dedicated number plates of X11 MFC, and Boro sponsors BT Cellnet donated a WAP mobile phone for use in emergencies.

Paddy Cronnesberry, the delighted chairman of the association, said it was a fantastic day for the association.

"Our old bus has kept us on the move, up and down the country, for many years, but it had seen better days.

"Now, thanks to the wonderful support of Boro fans and businesses, we have a wonderful new vehicle.

"Many thanks to all those who helped out."