A FLEET of community minibuses has been strengthened with the addition of a £40,000 vehicle.

The bus, which will be operated by Thirsk's Community Minibus Association, comes complete with tail lift and removable seats to accommodate disabled passengers.

The association has run two buses around the local area for the past 18 years.

Two years ago, it also took over management of the Community Care Association's outreach children's bus, which had only been used for ten weeks each year.

"That extra bus gave us more scope to help people get about but the demand has become so great that it still was not enough," said spokeswoman Christine Chapman.

"So we have managed to raise the cash to buy a fourth vehicle to serve the community groups and charities in and around Thirsk."

She added: "Last year, our buses made in excess of 960 journeys carrying 10,431 people and we expect that to rise considerably with the new vehicle."

Hambleton District Council gave £8,500 towards the new bus with the association raising the remaining £31,500.