YOUNG people at Hannahs in Ivybridge are hitting the road in a brand new accessible minibus thanks to the Lord’s Taverners.

Members of the historic sporting and disability charity, along with their female counterparts the Lady Taverners visited the school to present the new minibus to the young adults of Hannahwood.

The Lord’s Taverners donation was supported by the Law Family Charitable Foundation, which donated £22,000, and the Leathersellers’ Trust, which contributed £15,000 towards the vehicle.

The charity’s minibus scheme has been in operation since 1976 and has seen 1,110 of their iconic green buses given to charities such as Hannahs. The scheme is made possible by the huge amount of fundraising carried out by their members every year.

Before the visitors presented the young adults with a giant key to mark the handover of the minibus they were given a tour of Hannahmews, the adults’ supported living accommodation. They also judged a bus themed cake competition in which all the young adults had taken part.

Hannahs community engagement executive Emily van Vliet, said: ’We are so pleased to have the opportunity to accept a bus donated by the Lord’s Taverners and Lady Taverners.

’There was a real excitement and friendly atmosphere to the day with all of the young adults welcoming our visitors and coming to have a look at the new bus. It will provide so many opportunities for our young adults to explore all that Devon has to offer; from visits to the beach to attending disability focus groups and having a good night out at our accessible night club at Seale Hayne.

’On behalf of everyone at Hannahs, we would like to say a very warm and heartfelt thank you for the ongoing support of the Lord’s Taverners and Lady Taverners over the years.’

Chief executive Paul Robin said: ’The Lord’s Taverners believes that sport and recreation are essential for all young people, regardless of ability or background.

’This minibus will help the young people at Hannahs to get out and enjoy new places and experiences in Ivybridge. We are proud to support the staff, parents and young people of Hannahs.’

The Lord’s Taverners bus may not be the last donated to Hannahs this year, with the charity’s Ivybridge Supporter Group also fundraising hard to provide one. The group has organised numerous events including a successful race night and the upcoming Tipples and Tiaras evening at Delamore House, and is getting ever closer to its target.