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The fund, which has not had a brand new vehicle since the seventies, is set to receive a new 17-seat bus by the end of the year.

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Ward councillors handed over a cheque for £12,000 to help fund it out of their MICE (Members Improvement in the Community and Environment) fund.

John Hardcastle, secretary of the Horsforth Minibus Fund, said: "By finally reaching this target of a brand new vehicle this should enable us to enter as a new phase in the life of the Horsforth Minibus Fund.

"Hopefully it will mean no more expensive repair bills to keep the vehicle running and roadworthy."

Coun Brian Cleasby (Lib Dem, Horsforth) said: "We are in a difficult time and everyone is short of money.

"By giving this money to the fund it will be for the benefit of everyone in Horsforth whether they are individuals, part of a club, group or school. It is a charity and they are there to serve the community and I certainly think that this is money well spent."