THE old one proved a lifeline to residents of Alresford but after clocking up 98,000 miles and 5,000 journeys in eight years, the town’s minibus was showing its age.

So an order was placed last October for a new £58,000 minibus, a Mercedes Sprinter, which will be owned and run by the New Alresford Town Trust, and trustees Pam Stevens and Bernard Simmons paid a visit to Stanford Coachworks in Essex to see how it was progressing.

And on April 29, Alresford MP Steve Brine, accompanied by his children and trustees, performed the unveiling at The Swan Hotel, which was attended by 40 people including local councillors.

Mr Brine cut the ribbon helped by three long-serving voluntary drivers who were retiring.

The ceremony was also attended by Robin Atkins, chairman of the New Alresford Town Trust, who informed everyone that it had taken two-and-a-half years to decide on the merits of five possible minibuses and to build the specification.

“The Mercedes Sprinter has 15 seats, including the driver, which had the advantage of automatic steering, a special luggage/shopping compartment and graduated steps, which the Trust hope will help the elderly and disabled passengers get on and off the minibus more easily.

Also present were some 30 volunteer drivers who, according to Mrs Stevens, have been the “backbone” of the minibus operation.

“Without their dedication there would be no minibus service,” she added.

Steve Brine, who was the first member of the New Alresford Town Trust, said: “The work done by both Pam Stevens and the Trust has proven itself over so many years and the minibus service is, quite literally, a lifeline for many.

“The fact that the last bus did more than 100,000 miles shows what an incredible resource it is for the town and I have no doubt it will go from strength to strength with this new and improved model.

“It was a privilege to cut the ribbon and send it on its way.”

Mrs Stevens then presented certificates and shop vouchers to Barry Mitchell, who had driven the bus for more than 10 years, Wayne Sansom (eight years) and Dennis Jones (seven years).

She also thanked Bernard Simmons, who had been the experienced driver and who had helped the Trust select the new minibus.

The new minibus will carry the logos of its principal financial supporters, namely Andrew Smith Auctions, Richard Steel Funeral Directors, Winchester City Council, Old Alresford Parish Council, Alresford Rotary, Alresford Pigs, and the Alresford Thursday Market.

For more details, call Pam Stevens on 01962 734861 or e-mail [email protected].