ALRESFORD Town Trust took over the management and running of a minibus, a converted Ford Transit van, in August 1970 – and now some 46 years later it has placed an order for a new Mercedes Sprinter at a cost of nearly £60,000.

The minibus, which is purpose built, will be delivered to the town trust next March.

The Mercedes has 14 passenger seats but can take up to two wheelchairs, has a seven-speed automatic gearbox, and a special pen area for shopping, trolleys and folding walkers.

Minibus trustee Pam Stevens, together with a drivers’ committee led by Bernard Simmons, an experienced and regular driver for the trust, have seen and tested five minibus alternatives and have concluded that the Mercedes Sprinter is the best compromise. This minibus is a mid-floor level model and is most suitable for rural conditions.

The current minibus is driven by an all-volunteer force of 30 drivers who give their time freely. The minibus covers more than 12,000 miles per year and undertakes more than 600 journeys.

“If you have a couple of hours spare each week or month, perhaps you would like to join the band of volunteer drivers and become part of the community minibus,” said a trust spokesman.

“Alternatively, you may be finding it difficult to get your shopping. We do various shopping trips to Alton Sainsburys, Tesco at Winnall, Winchester town centre, every Friday morning into Alresford and, on the second and fourth Saturday morning to Petersfield.”

The spokesman added that the trust was “very grateful” to the many donors, in particular Winchester City Council, Old Alresford Parish Council, Andrew Smith & Son and Richard Steel (Funeral Directors), as well as the many private donors. The Alresford Pigs and Rotary also organise and run 15 leisure trips during the summer months.

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer driver, or who wishes to use the minibus for shopping trips should call Pam Stevens on 01962 734861 or e-mail [email protected].