A CASH grant towards the purchase of a new minibus has been awarded to Uttlesford Community Travel. The Dunmow-based charity was given �3500 from Essex County Council s Millennium Fund as part of an �80,000 spend countywide. UCT secretary, Maggie Craddock

A CASH grant towards the purchase of a new minibus has been awarded to Uttlesford Community Travel.

The Dunmow-based charity was given �3500 from Essex County Council's Millennium Fund as part of an �80,000 spend countywide.

UCT secretary, Maggie Craddock, said: "Very soon we will be replacing the oldest bus in our fleet to help bring down the cost of repairs. It will allow us to run an even more efficient service."

Chairman Ian Shaw also received a certificate for the charity's work in the community since they formed in March 1997.

Helping more than 25,000 passengers per year, UCT is a community scheme that provides wheelchair accessible, door-to-door transport, for people of all ages who find it difficult to use public transport.

Awarding the grants at a ceremony in Chelmsford, Cllr Elizabeth Hart, Chairman of Council, praised all the organisations present at the event.

She said "The council is very impressed with the quality of work being undertaken by these organisations and with the commitment, the energy and the care with which they deliver their services.