VOLUNTEERS, who help keep a community minibus on the road, had three reasons to celebrate on Saturday when they marked their silver anniversary in style.

Everyone from passengers and drivers to committee members and supporters were at Marden Village Hall to celebrate 25 years of The Combine Community Bus which runs across the Pewsey Vale.

Fittingly the group was also able to show off a new mini bus that was officially named in memory of loyal passenger Dot Thumbwood by her daughter Jean.

Alan Coggins from the committee said: "It was a triple celebration for us. It is 25 years since our community bus service started in 1991. The new bus, which was bought with a grant from the Department Of Transport community minibus fund, arrived a couple of weeks ago and we were pleased to name it in memory of Dot."

Around 30 people attended the celebration and buffet lunch. Mr Coggings said: "All of them are involved with keeping the bus on the road. There were passengers, drivers, committee members, regular hirers and major supporters such as Wiltshire council."

The Combine Community Bus serves the villages of Marden, Chirton, Patney, Beechingstoke, Hilcott, Bottlesford, Woodborough, Alton Barnes and Manningford Bruce.

Mr Coggins said: "We provide a door to door dial a ride shopper service to Devizes, Salisbury and Marlborough, once a month we have a mystery trip and when not in use for these services the bus is used by charities, local schools, care homes, local voluntary groups and private hire for residents of our catchment area.

"We are a totally voluntary group with no paid members of staff, our minibus can carry up to 14 passengers and has a rear disabled lift and is equipped to carry one person in a wheelchair.

"Obviously we are extremely grateful to the DFT for the grant for the purchase of the minibus but we should also acknowledge the annual Community transport grant which we get from Wiltshire Council."