Dawlish's community transport charity is to get a long-awaited new minibus after a 'wonderfully generous' cash gift from an anonymous donor.

Throughout this year, town and district councillors John and Linda Petherick have been raising money towards a new vehicle for East Teignbridge Community Transport, as its existing ones are reaching the end of their working life.

The charity would normally have carried out its own fundraising activities, but these were halted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

John and Linda Petherick haven't revealed the amount of this week's anonymous donation, but say it will give them enough money to buy a specially adapted bespoke minibus, thought to cost more than £65,000.

'We cannot thank the donor enough'

Cllr John Petherick said: "We are absolutely delighted that someone has chosen to make such a large donation, and we cannot thank the donor enough.

"There are some wonderfully generous people out there in the community and in these strange times Community Transport needs all the support they can get from the community they serve."

The Chairman's Charity is still open until May and any other donations they receive, along with the donations they already have, will go towards the minibus account.

East Teignbridge Community Transport Chair Valerie Jeffery said she was delighted with the news: "It's such a boost to our valued team of volunteers and staff alike. It will support us to purchase a bespoke multi-purpose vehicle to meet the needs and comforts of all our passengers," she said.

Anyone who would like to donate to The Chairman's Charity is asked to contact [email protected] or [email protected] for details of how to donate.