Community groups in Cockermouth have welcomed the arrival of a town minibus they can all use.

Cumbria Community Transport, working with Cumbria County Council, is keeping the 16-seater bus at Highfield Community Centre.

It can be hired on a self-drive basis or with a volunteer driver by a whole host of organisations.

Scheme manager Colin Bannister said: “It’s for the community. It’s not for commercial gain but to get schools out, football teams, Scouts, Beavers, youth groups, nurseries, churches, everyone.

“In the past, the nearest available community minibuses were in Maryport, which proved problematic for some of the users at the time in Cockermouth and the surrounding areas.”

Adminstrator Helen Sullivan said: “It’s really important to have this sort of thing as not a lot of people can afford to buy a bus. It’s great for smaller groups.”

The charity is looking for potential volunteer drivers. For more details call 01946 812777.