A NEW minibus service is to be launched after a community group joined forces with a Teesside council and successfully applied for a £42,750 grant.

The Department of Transport's Urban Bus Challenge has allocated the money to The Future Regeneration of Grangetown (FROG) and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.

The money will be used over three years and will fund a new wheelchair-adapted vehicle us a driver for 25 hours a week for people in Grangetown.

The scheme can be accessed for a variety of reasons for people with mobility problems including trips to and from medical appointments, shopping or social activities. It also links in with the area's Shopmobility schemes.

The council's cabinet member for strategic planning, development and infrastructure, councillor Eric Empson, said: "We're delighted. It will build on the success already enjoyed by FROG's community transport initiatives."

Bob Kennett, chair of the FROG community transport management group, said: "This grant will enable us to not only improve the existing service to our clients but also create employment, enable enhanced training opportunities for local people and create the ability to provide an extended and more efficient service."

Anyone leaving living in Greater Eston area, covering Grangetown, South Bank, Teesville and Eston and have difficulties with transport, contact (01642) 458535. Anyone who wants to be a volunteer should call the same number.