Minibus benefits rural community

A new, fully accessible minibus is to help communities in Teesdale and Wear Valley live healthier lifestyles.

The Durham Dales Healthy Living Partnership community minibus will be available on either a self-drive basis or with a driver.

The minibus is launched on Tuesday, with funding from the Big Lottery Fund and Durham County Council.

A grant of £92,000 will provide a co-ordinator and cover running costs and the expenses of volunteer drivers.

Frieda Diplock, community health development manager for Durham Dales PCT, said: "This initiative will enable more local communities, especially those in our isolated rural areas, to access a wider range of health improving opportunities."

The first users of the minibus will be a group of young carers who are to visit Killhope, the North of England Lead Mining Museum, in Weardale.