A CHARITY that provides transport around Manningtree has picked up the keys to a new £47,000 bus.

The Manningtree and District Community Bus now has a 16-seater Mercedes Sprinter to help people go to clubs and visit Harwich and Colchester for supermarket trips.

During the summer, they also offer excursions to nearby villages, museums and gardens as far away as Aldeburgh and Southwold.

Chairman David Warner said: “The new bus is lovely and is the fourth vehicle in total we have had in the 22 years we have been running.

“It is very nice to drive and is accessible for everyone, which our passengers will really appreciate.

“The old vehicle’s time had probably expired and a decision had to be made on what to do because it was 12 years old. The official launch was also very well supported.”

The bus was funded by a £5,000 donation from the Friends of Foundry Court and Ironside 60+ Club, £10,000 from the National Lottery and £5,000 from Colchester Catalyst, with the remainder taken from reserves.