A SHINY new fleet of minibuses has been donated to a charity which helps adults and youngsters with complex needs to get the best out of life.

Worcester’s Myriad Centre has received two buses and a specially adapted car, worth £45,000, thanks to Worcestershire’s Mark Master Masons, who meet in Rainbow Hill.

The centre has 34 young clients, most of whom need picking up and live in other parts of the county. It also runs a busy Saturday club for 13 to 19-year-olds.

The charity’s old buses often suffered technical failures, causing delays, but centre manager Lynn Parker said that thanks to the generous donation those days were over.

“This donation means an awful lot to us because we had a fleet of old mini-buses,” she said.

“It just makes such a difference. They will be used twice a day to take clients to and from home, as well as on outings.

“We are very grateful to the Masons. John Fleming found out about us and came to look around and saw what we did and it went from there.”

Mr Fleming said: “I heard of their plight and in conjunction with the Myriad Centre trustees applied via the Worcestershire Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons to the Mark Benevolent Fund for monies to replace their ageing transport.”

The new wheels have immediately been drafted in to fit a busy schedule, including regular trips to hydrotherapy and rebound sessions at the Regency High School, Warndon, as well as trips further afield including to the seaside.

Worcester’s new Hive library has also been a big hit with the clients.

The charity’s centre in St George’s Walk, Barbourne, is staffed by healthcare and former special school teachers and volunteers.

It was set up in 2007 by Maggie Allen and Mrs Parker after they saw a gap in care for those who left special school aged 19, only to discover that there were few services on offer to cope with their needs.