The wheels have been put in motion for a new community minibus to help both young and old.

Transport in and around Greenhithe and Swanscombe has been bolstered by a new service led by different groups and volunteers from the public.

Around three years ago the community came up with the idea of starting a shared transport scheme, initially with one minibus to be shared between different organisations.

An application was made and grant funding was approved from both Kent County Council and the Kent Community Foundation.

But then Covid struck and the decision was taken not to acquire vehicles likely to remain unused during lockdown.

Since then the scheme has resurfaced and three partner organisations have got involved who, with the help of regular volunteers from the public, run the service.

These are Walk Tall, a local charity supporting youngsters, The Seniors Lunch Club, and two local churches, St Mary's at Greenhithe, and St Peter and St Paul's at Swanscombe.

Swanscombe & Greenhithe Residents' Association councillor Peter Harman said: "All costs are shared equally between the groups and they are and we are planning to take on further community partner organisations when circumstances allow.

"Our minibus is disabled friendly and has a variable seating arrangement; ranging from 17 passenger seats to three passenger seats and six wheelchair spaces.

"We have had eight members of the public kindly volunteering to be drivers of the vehicle, but are certainly looking for more volunteers to spread the load."

The next goal is to buy a van to help with the Mary’s Child charity, organised by local vicar Charlie to collect and deliver furniture for previously homeless people within the community.

Anybody wishing to join the group of volunteers should phone Peter Harman on 07956 347419 for more details.