A CHARITY at the heart of a community is hoping to reach even more people after buying a brand new electric van.

Shildon Alive, a St John’s Church project, now has its own transport for the first time ever thanks to funding from the Bishop Auckland and Shildon Area Action Partnership, F & PC Scotto Charitable Trust and the Big Lottery Fund.

Paula Nelson, community project manager of Shildon Alive, said: “The van has made a huge difference already, we’re able to collect more food waste from Morrisons and it’s easier to transport all of the plants and compost for the Guerilla Gardening project.

“Before we had the van I would try and get everything in my car, so having this now is brilliant. It’s changed my life.

“We would like to thank everyone who has provided funding to make this possible.”