READERS of the Shuttle/ Times & News have helped secure the future of a vital bus service for Wyre Forest's elderly and disabled.

The National Lottery Charities Board yesterday announced a £190,000 grant to Wyre Forest Dial-a-Ride, which will keep the distinctive blue minibuses on the road for another three years.

Wyre Forest MP David Lock said the difference from earlier applications had been more than 200 letters sent to him by readers after an article in the Shuttle/Times & News in February revealed Dial-a-Ride faced an uncertain future.

"We were able to use letters from the people who use the service to show how much it was needed. I am sure this was the key difference in persuading the Lottery to fund us this time," he added.

The much-needed cash will allow Dial-a-Ride to replace one of its four minibuses, and will also provide salaries for full and part-time drivers, although it has not yet been decided how the money will be divided up.

Bob Hartell, Dial-a-Ride co-ordinator, said: "The money will keep the service at the level which it has grown to, rather than to expand. Demand is such that we could easily operate six buses if we had enough money and volunteers," he added.

Dial-a-Ride's buses make about 200 return journeys and 30 to 40 single journeys across the district every week, staffed by about 10 volunteers.