A transport service for elderly and disabled people has had an ageing vehicle replaced – thanks to the Telegraph & Argus.

The Dial-a-Ride service, which is overseen by Keighley Community Transport, was awarded £21,450 by the charitable arm of the T&A’s parent company, Gannett.

The Volkswagen Caddy Life, which has replaced a ten-year-old Renault Kangoo, will help the organisation increase its Monday-to-Friday service and run two vehicles on Wednesdays.

The vehicle has special access for a wheelchair and will provide customers with door-to-door transport to amenities including day care, social events, shops and hospital appointments.

Around 250 people use Dial-a-Ride, which started 14 years ago.

Brian Hudson, chairman of Keighley Community Transport, said: “The new vehicle is fantastic.

“It means we can take on extra users and provide transport to families as it can seat three people and one wheelchair user. There are lots of possibilities. Believe me, it will get used.

“The users really appreciate the personal service we provide.” T&A editor Perry Austin-Clarke said: “Dial-a-Ride is a fabulous scheme which provides really practical help for older and disabled people.

“Safe and reliable transport like this is a vital lifeline, giving people who might otherwise not have such access to local amenities a genuine sense of independence.

“We’re thrilled to be able to help and we hope this vehicle will be doing just that around the local area for many years to come.”

Dial-a-Ride customers pay between £3.50 and £10 for the service, which covers an area stretching from Crossflatts, Cullingworth and Denholme to Oxenhope, Steeton and Airedale General Hospital.

The service is in need of volunteer drivers for its mini-buses. For information, contact transport organiser Stephen Shorten on (01535) 609278.