WELLINGTON Stroke Club’s runabout – a single decker bus – is ready for the road after a major transformation.

The club has turned the bus from a standard service passenger carrier into a disability-friendly specialist vehicle, designed to accommodate the needs of its disabled club membership and close family.

Committee member Don McCririck said: “The club put the conversion work out to tender to six reputable transport engineering firms and from their responses we selected Berry’s Coaches of Taunton to take up our challenge.

“They’ve done an excellent job for us, even donating to the project a set of high-backed seats fitted with lap belts from a redundant coach, for which we are extremely grateful.

“VOSA Inspectors have now approved all the changes and authorised us to carry up to 31 passengers plus one wheelchair user.

“Besides Berry’s Coaches, we are also indebted to the Somerset-based engineering talents of APD Engineering of Wellington, Hickleys of Taunton and Unwins of Martock, and blessed by the fundraising efforts and support from Wellington Methodist Church, the Libran Ladies and private individuals.”

Now the club committee is planning a series of day trips and short outings to local venues.