Topsham charity gets new bus

TOPSHAM S Estuary League of Friends has a new, 13-seat minibus. The specially-adapted Peugeot Boxer will be used by the local charity to take clients to its lunch clubs and day centre as well as shopping trips and outings. The vehicle will also be used to

TOPSHAM'S Estuary League of Friends has a new, 13-seat minibus.

The specially-adapted Peugeot Boxer will be used by the local charity to take clients to its lunch clubs and day centre as well as shopping trips and outings.

The vehicle will also be used to collect items donated to the Estuary League of Friends' two shops in Topsham and will be available for clubs, schools and societies, to hire.

Rachel Gilpin, chief executive of the League of Friends, said: "We get a new minibus every five years.

"Our last one covered 43,000 miles, mostly collecting older residents from their homes and taking them on outings or to clubs and clinics."

George Webster, who has worked for the League of Friends for more than ten years and a full-time minibus driver since 2003, said: "The new vehicle has been customised for our needs.

"The seating is more comfortable and it's easier to accommodate wheelchairs if necessary. It's a big improvement."

Use of the minibus if free of charge, although a donation is gratefully received for older residents of Topsham who may have difficulty getting out.