A DISABLED group will benefit from new transport thanks to a £2,000 council donation.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's Employees Loan Fund handed over the cash to the Eston Handicapped Fellowship to help pay for a minibus.

The Fellowship caters for 51 people, aged between five and 40, with physical or learning disabilities, holding such events as a Saturday morning playgroup, weekends away and summer holidays. Its chairman, Mick McNicholas, said as it relies on fundraising, the latest donation is extremely welcome.

He said: "We started with two minibuses - one was clapped out and the other was at the end of its working life.

"Buying a new one was always going to be a massive undertaking, but I've been amazed at how quickly it's been achieved.

"We're really grateful for the Fund's contribution."

The Employees' Loan Fund comprises of commission from personal loans taken out, by council staff, with the Co-op.

Redcar and Cleveland's mayor, Councillor Vilma Collins, handed over its latest bequest at a ceremony at St Peter's RC Secondary School, in South Bank, on Saturday.

Councillor Garth Houchen, chairman of the Local Joint Committee, which administers the fund, said: "We're delighted to be in a position to help the fellowship, and we hope the minibus will be a real boost to all those who use it."