PENSIONERS and community groups are making good use of a minibus paid for by local organisations and fundraising efforts in memory of an Ilkley resident.

Ilkley and District Council for Voluntary Service has unveiled its new 11-seater minibus with wheelchair access.

Much of the money needed for the minibus, which will be known as Linda's Bus, was raised by the family and friends of Ilkley community stalwart Linda Hill, who died in July 2000.

They launched their own fund-raising drive as they saw the bus as continuing her work for elderly people in the area.

Linda Hill lived in Ilkley for more than 20 years, and for much of that time, worked for and with older people in the town.

ICVS also received donations towards the minibus from Help the Aged, Ilkley Parish Council, West Riding Masonic Charities, SMg Risk Solutions and RBR Insurance Brokers.

The bus features a passenger lift for people in wheelchairs and those with walking difficulties - an essential requirement, as 80 per cent of the passengers are elderly or disabled.

John Jewitt, Vice Chairman of Ilkley & District CVS, John Jewitt, said: "We are delighted to get our second bus on the road.

"We have had to decline some bookings recently due to heavy commitments for our first bus and this extra capacity was sorely needed.

"We are very grateful for the financial support that has enabled us to make the purchase."

The new minibus doubles the capacity of the charity's Community Transport project, which makes the buses available for hire to community groups in Addingham, Burley, Ilkley and Menston.

The project also provides a weekly shopping trip for elderly and disabled Addingham residents. Last Friday, the minibus was again in action, taking Addingham pensioners to Booth's Supermarket in Ilkley for a shopping trip, then taking them home again.

SMg's Managing Director, Mark Minton, said, "The Ilkley CVS minibus is a fantastic asset not only to Ilkley but to its surrounding communities and we are delighted to be part of the team supporting it."

Joint Managing Director of RBR, Hannah Colman said, "As a business which very much has its heart in Ilkley, we are committed to supporting local initiatives and community ventures and the use of the minibus by a wide variety of local groups shows what a vital service it provides."

The ICVS says it is very grateful for the money received which went into buying the new minibus But it already needs to think about beginning another fundraising campaign - as its other minibus will need to be replaced over the next two years. The 16-seater minibus is expected to cost around £40,000.

The organisation is also seeking new volunteer drivers and escorts for its transport project, because of the arrival of the second bus and the increased demand. The project is keen to hear from anyone interested in giving a little of their time to help the community. The ICVS will provide full training for volunteers on the project.

For more details of how to help out, telephone Ian Padley on (01943) 603348.