EIGHT new 'green machines' will make Wiltshire County Council's youth development service cheaper and more flexible.

The council has replaced its ageing minibus fleet with the Toyota MPVs (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) people carriers to transport youngsters to and from activities across the county.

The MPVs, which cost less than half the price of a minibus to lease, and are more fuel efficient, arrived at County Hall on Saturday.

One will be based in each of the youth development service areas including Warminster, Bradford on Avon and Chippenham.

Cabinet member for young people William Snow said: "We were looking to replace our fleet of ageing minibuses. We wanted transport that was cheaper and offered greater flexibility.

"MPVs seemed the obvious answer, while they don't have the seating capacity of minibuses, they are cheaper to run, cheaper to insure and greener.

"Most activities for young people take place in the evening and this has meant that the minibuses have been lying idle all day. By using the MPVs as pool cars for youth service staff we will be getting the maximum benefit from them."

Transport is one of the key issues for young people in the county raised by the Wiltshire Assembly of Youth Agenda 4 Action manifesto to be launched later in the year.