OKEHAMPTON District Community Transport Group has been presented with a £2,731 cheque by Okehampton Co-op to continue its work in the community.

Okehampton District Community Transport Group provides transport services for frail, elderly, rurally isolated and disabled clients to access healthcare, social and lifestyle appointments.

The group was recently presented with a cheque from Okehampton Co-op Funeralcare to help fund its charitable work, including the replacement of a wheelchair accessible vehicle.

Sue Wonnacott, Co-ordinator for Okehampton District Community Transport Group, said: ‘We were delighted to be chosen as one of three charities for the first round of funding by our local Co-operative.

‘We are raising funds to replace one of our wheelchair accessible vehicles which has started to have more mechanical problems resulting in a rise in maintenance costs which is not sustainable to a small charity like ours.

‘We are receiving an increased number of requests for wheelchair accessible transport both for medical appointments and social journeys throughout our very rural area which covers 274 square miles.

‘We currently have 1100 clients registered on our database and also provide a service to local care facilities. The client base has increased by a third over the last two years, putting pressure on both our volunteer drivers and administration.

‘Many clients tell us that without our assistance they would not be able to attend their appointments, partly due to the fact that so many family members are having to continue working longer so are not able to help out or their family live too far away.

‘We are amazed by the total of £2,731 which will be awarded to our group and would like to thank everyone for their support, this will give a huge boost to our fundraising and make a difference to many people.’