RESIDENTS of Newton Aycliffe have a good reason to use public transport now that their community centre is in a double-decker bus.

The town's Junior Neighbourhood Watch group used to lease the Dandy Cart public house as a meeting place, until it was demolished in March to make room for a nursing home.

The centre opened most days, providing a community area for more than 700 young people and residents.

Sedgefield Borough Council was approached by Newton Aycliffe ward councillors to use a building in Silverdale Place as a replacement, a move which fell through.

Many people thought this meant the end of the group, but determined Councillor Dorothy Bowman came up with the idea of using a bus.

She said: "I was asked if the group was going to have to stop because we had nowhere to go, which I refused.

"My husband and I are both certified LGV drivers and I immediately thought of using a bus, which children have named The Kool Big Red Bus.

"The bus has nothing to do with politics, it is simply a place for young and old people to come along to socialise, do homework, hold activities or have parties

"I will be driving it mainly and it will tour the western area of Newton Aycliffe. It is available throughout the week for children or for older people who want a coffee and a chat."

The group received no funding for the project and all expenses were paid for by money raised from discos, market stalls and raffles.

Mrs Bowman is applying for funding from the county council and also needs volunteers to work on the bus. If you would like to volunteer call 01325-308094.