The charity has bought a new minibus to transport the town's old folk on shopping trips and days out in perfect comfort.

The Fiat bus cost £22,000 but was massively discounted from the original £32,000 asking price due to Age Concern's good work.
Richard Wheeler, one of the group's volunteer drivers said the hi-tech bus was the first of its kind in the country.

"We ordered it a year ago but had to wait until these models were launched in Britain," he said. "This bus is the very first one to arrive in the country."

Some of the new vehicle's features include a rear camera to aid reversing, distance detectors for parking, retractable wing mirrors, more comfortable seats for passengers and more space for shopping bags.

The minibus runs regular trips into Petersfield town centre from outlying villages on Wednesdays and Fridays as well as transporting luncheon club members to their get togethers and day trips to attractions.

Janice Cotton, of Age Concern, said the minibus, which travels around 12,000 miles a year, is one of the charity's most important services.

She paid tribute to Mr Wheeler for his work in securing the vehicle for the price agreed and also praised former Age Concern volunteer Ken Bulmer, who was instrumental in bringing the first minibus to Petersfield.

PICTURED RIGHT: Richard Wheeler, Janice Cotton and mayor Vaughan Clarke.