A NEW bus will soon be wending its way through the Eden Valley, providing a vital lifeline for people in the area - thanks to a £10,000 grant, reports Ruth Lythe.

The cash donated by Cumbria County Council's local committee for Eden has paid for a new Fellrunner bus to help link villages throughout the valley.

Over the past 25 years the bus, which is totally managed and driven by volunteers, has been providing a service for the inhabitants of more than 40 villages throughout the area.

Because of the high level of volunteer support, the service has needed little extra funding. But, in the past, the county council and other organisations have stepped in to help Fellrunner to buy buses when needed.

Because of problems with one of the three vehicles, Fellrunner urgently needed a new coach - the £10,000 grant has allowed the organisation to buy a brand new, 16-seat, Optare Alero.

Eden local committee member Coun Gary Strong presented the vehicle's keys to Fellrunner representatives at a special presentation held on Monday, (February 21) at Culgaith.

Coun Strong said: "The Fellrunner buses are a timetabled, regular service covering 40 villages thoughout the Eden Valley and take people to Penrith or even Carlisle. It is a great asset and is the only bus service that we actually have apart from school buses.

"The buses are a community lifeline, run by volunteers.

"The county council's local committee for Eden stepped in to help with the purchase of this new bus as it was an important service for the people in the Eden Valley, who would otherwise have no bus services."

He added: "We were aware that Fellrunner were in difficulties, and we are delighted to be able to help in this way. The county council is committed to helping people in rural communities get around and feel that this service is an important lifeline for the community. We wanted to make sure that this service continued."