A north-east voluntary group launched its new minibus on 21 April.

Portlethen and District Voluntary Community Ambulance Association chairman Noreen Harding said: “We took delivery of our new minibus on 23 March and are absolutely delighted with it.”

The vehicle is used primarily to take residents to and from the Portlethen Medical Centre. It is mainly for the elderly but is available for anyone in need of transport.

“We have been running a community ambulance in this area for 28 years now,” said Mrs Harding.

“The vehicle needs to be replaced every three years once it has covered between 40,000 and 45,000 miles. Its safer this way and keeps maintenance costs down.

“This has been a major challenge for the volunteers. I am delighted with the support received from the community, from local companies and oil companies from Aberdeen and nearby.  We are hoping they will come along and share a toast with us to our new bus.

“Our major donors have been Apache oil company and the Big Lottery Awards for All.“

The ambulance was launched by Ian McLeod, president of Portlethen Rotary Club, and a former treasurer and voluntary driver with the group.

The association has a pool of drivers who give their time both to ferry residents and to deliver prescriptions to those who find it difficult to get to the medical centre.

North Kincardine Councillor Ian Mollison said: “It has been a fantastic effort by all involved. It shows what can be done.”

 Mrs Harding added: “I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks to all those who helped us.”