MALMESBURY and District Community Transport has bought a new bus to take elderly people to Burnham House Residential Home.

Chairman Caroline Pym said the 17-seater LDV bus has been converted to transport 12 people and three wheelchairs. It also contains a wheelchair lift.

The new bus has been paid for by the Wiltshire Community Hospital NHS Trust. It replaces one which the group had run for five years.

"We find from our clients at Burnham House and the hospital that people really appreciate it and it gives them confidence that they have a reliable service with drivers, and escorts, they can trust," said Mrs Pym.

The bus has been bought on a five-year contract from Jaycas, the minibus firm.

Malmesbury and District Community Transport provides travel for people within a ten-mile radius of the town.

It transports people to the day care service at Burnham House Residential Home, and to Malmesbury Hospital as well as providing transport for the town's Physically Handicapped Club.

Mrs Pym said she wanted to pay special thanks to the group's secretary and manager, Sqn Ldr Richard Greig, from Great Somerford.

She also praised the work of drivers, Barry Snell, John Smith and Arthur Pound, and escort Vi Strong.

The bus is available for transport at weekends and evenings. Please call Mr Greig on (01249) 720215.