A fresh fundraising drive has been launched to buy a new minibus for Dawlish Community Transport.

The charity is a lifeline for many vulnerable, isolated or disabled people in the area, enabling them to get to medical appointments or activities to support mental wellbeing. It is also used by schools and care homes that need appropriate transport.

Several of its vehicles are coming to the end of their working lives, and the charity has been working to raise the £65,000 needed to buy a fully equipped, wheelchair accessible minibus.

The cause was adopted by the councillor for Dawlish South West John Petherick, the chair of Teignbridge District Council, as his chosen charity last year.

He and his wife Linda have each given £500 from their Community Fund, plus a further £350 from Linda's birthday fundraiser. They have also secured donations from Coast View Shaldon, part of South West Holiday Parks, which gave £500, and the Starcross Masons who gave £250, along with smaller amounts from other sources.

Now, they have taken their fundraising up a further gear by writing directly to several businesses, the Rotary, councillors and individual supporters, asking them to make a donation, no matter how small, to help reach the fundraising target.

The message from the chairman of Teignbridge council

The letter from John Petherick explains: "The vehicle we are raising funds for is a specifically adapted bespoke minibus, costing over £65,000.

"It is a fully equipped wheelchair accessible vehicle, enabling any person to travel anywhere.

"Travelling by minibus is a great way to meet new people, make friends and see other towns and villages, whilst getting those daily tasks done, which could include, banking, shopping, and everyday essential chores.

"The charity helps people to manage their everyday lives and keep their independence, with the bonus of being provided with door to door service.

"Without these vehicles we simply cannot provide the services, which support over 1,200 individual people in the East Teignbridge area.

"In addition, over the last financial year they provided 401 group bookings, which would not be possible without this essential vehicle."

Cllr Petherick adds that if any potential donors would like to visit the charity to find out more about its work, he would be delighted to arrange this.

Anyone who would like to donate is invited to transfer money to the fundraising account: sort code: 30-84-67, account number 55853468 Ref: XJ89520004, or send a cheque made payable to Chairman's Charity to Teignbridge District Council, Forde House, Brunel Road, Newton Abbot. TQ12 4XX