A CHARITY providing remote communities with a space to hold public functions has been given a helping hand after Stagecoach provided them with a brand new bus.

Calne based charity Open Blue was offered the bus after they were forced to retire their former coach last year as it had fallen into disrepair.

Now director Andy Weeds will head up a team of enthusiastic volunteers as they prepare the bus to provide a whole range of community facilities to people in rural areas.

Mr Weeds said: "It is amazing, we never thought that we would be given a bus and are so grateful to the Brian Souter Trust which was set up by the boss of Stagecoach.

“I am looking forward to converting this bus into an excellent mobile community centre.

“Getting a bus is obviously a big first step but we have a lot of hard work ahead of us transforming it into a welcoming, fun and friendly space.”

The team expect it will take up to 12 months to convert the bus into a village hall on wheels and will cost an additional £50,000.

Open Blue looks to help communities by offering activities for all ages from carer and toddler groups through to after school clubs and youth drop-ins.

He added: “In the present economic climate fundraising for the new bus has not been easy.

“We have received money from local organisations for much of the cost and hope to see the rest come in as it is needed.

“Over the years Open Blue reached literally thousands of people, some briefly, but for many others developing long term relationships or building confidence that delivers transformative opportunities.”