USERS of a centre for disabled people have celebrated the purchase of a new minibus to replace one that was previously stolen.

Worcester Mayor Jabba Riaz was at the Myriad Centre, which supports families and young people with profound learning difficulties, to launch the new £60,000 bus.

It was bought with support from local people, community organisations and grant-making bodies.  

Carol Bawden, trustee at the Myriad Centre said: “This has been a first for our charity, a considerable fundraising effort, involving the whole organisation and we are immensely grateful to all our staff, volunteers and local community for all of their support.”

Richard Whateley, CEO at the Myriad Centre, added: “Our minibuses are essential to the service that we provide to local young people and their families. 

"Not only does it enable us to collect them to and from home each day, but having the additional minibus means that we will be able to take our clients to a wider range of activities each week. 

"This is essential to their well-being – and the costs of which are not covered by the local authority – so we are indebted to the local community for their support."

The centre ensures that its young people have days full of fun, learning and social interaction, whilst critically ensuring that families receive some support and respite, at the same time.