THE Amesbury Link Scheme has a new bus thanks to donations from the families of grateful clients and companies operating in the area.

The scheme was having difficulties in transporting all the people who wanted to use the service as it didn't have a wheelchair accessible bus, but then a couple of its users made it their final wish for friends and families to make a donation to the scheme in their memory.

This started the ball rolling and scheme chairman Roger Paye wrote to businesses and other groups to ask if they would provide sponsorship.

The church, the town council, QinetiQ, the Rotary Club and Community First all rallied round and raised £17,000 for the new bus, which was officially launched last Wednesday.

Named Marion after one generous benefactor, the vehicle will benefit many people who find it hard to get around.

As well as buying the bus, the scheme also has enough funding to pay for the insurance and the first year's running costs.