A CHARITY that has been providing transport in the Manningtree area for 22 years is set to get a new bus.

The Manningtree and District Community Bus allows people to attend clubs and visit Harwich and Colchester for supermarket trips.

The service sees them pick up and return people to their homes.

During the summer, it also offers excursions to nearby villages, museums and gardens, with recent trips including days out to Aldebrugh and Southwold.

This month, the charity will accept a new Mercedes Sprinter minibus with room for 16 passengers before holding a launch event next month.

The charity has run since 1993 after being founded by Ken Edwards, Margaret Jackson, Ken Scott and Robin Finch.

Chairman David Warner said: “Quite simply, they wanted to ensure the local disabled and elderly residents were given an opportunity to get out and about and were able to engage with local activities.”

The official launch event will take place at the St John Ambulance building, in Station Road, Manningtree, on May 13 from 10am.