AFTER a spate of bad luck with its vehicles, a community group has sought help from on high by getting its new minibus blessed by the vicar of Andover.

The Physically Handicapped and Able Bodied group (PHAB) had its Busy Beez minibus blessed by Reverend Jill Bentall.

One of the the group's previous minibuses was described as a rust bucket' by the group's chairman Eileen Mills, while another ended up in a poor state of repair after a series of scrapes.

But Mrs Mills said the club was finally able to put the pedal to the metal and use its new minibus to take people and equipment to and from meetings.

The 16-seater minibus, which was funded solely by PHAB, has an automatic lift for wheelchair users.

Mrs Mills said: "We've had the bus for a few months but as we had the new Busy Beez logos put on, we thought we would get it blessed as well for a bit of extra help because we want it on the road as much as possible.

"Since we've had the new bus we have been able to meet up with other PHAB groups, so it's been a real joy to have."

The bus is available for hire by other community and charity groups for a small fee.

Any groups interested in using the bus should contact Mrs Mills on 01264 358817.