CHARITY volunteers are celebrating after officially receiving their new minibus – and with all of its wheels intact.
Thieves had left the vehicle on bricks after stealing its rims and tyres two weeks ago, shortly after the bus had been delivered to Haswell and District Mencap Society, at the Lisa Dixon Centre, in Haswell.
Staff at 99 Co-operative Food stores across the North-East and North Yorkshire had raised £28,000 to get the charity on the road so its members could enjoy group outings and activities.
After the initial setback, the bus is now fixed and ready to be used again after being officially handed over to the charity.
Jean Dixon, who founded the charity, said: “It’s been well used already, it’s fantastic. It has made a really big difference and we are delighted to have it.
“We were disappointed with what happened, and it has cost us a bit of money to put it right and to make it more secure, but now we can make the most of it. We have to say a big thank you to everyone who helped raise the money to make this possible.”
John Irwin, Co-op regional operations manager for the North-East and North Yorkshire, said: “The work of the Lisa Dixon Centre is so valuable and I am thrilled that we are able to help to raise funds to help the charity.”
Obviously, we were disappointed to hear of the recent incident, but we are pleased that the bus is now back on the road.”
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