A £700 donation to the committee behind Ross Action Bus is helping to keep the vehicle on the road.

The Ross-on-Wye Lions Club made the donation, proceeds of which came from the recent duck race, as part of the ongoing support for Ross Committee’s Action Bus, which will be celebrating its 60th anniversary in two years’ time.

The Action Bus is a vital community transport service in the greater Ross area and provides essential transportation for elderly and less mobile residents to access local shops, clubs, and day trips.

The charity relies on volunteers and donations to fund its services, as it helps combat loneliness and offers a lifeline for many who would otherwise struggle to get out and about.

Sharon Hodges, Action Committee chairman said that the charity started in 1966 and for almost six decades the bus has been at the beck and call of the people of Ross.

She said: “The action reference means that we get on with it. We have a good army of volunteer drivers who help out by driving the bus.

“I decided to become part of the Action Committee because my mother made use of it in the past and so I decided to give something back to the charity and support the community.

“I started by volunteering and many years later was appointed as chairman last October.

Colin Parry, a trustee for Ross Lions said: “The club has always been involved with community projects in the town. In fact, Ross Lions Club has been involved with the Action Committee since its early days as we have documentation going back at least to 1971.”

Keith Wilding, chairman of the Lions’ community services committee further explained that Ross Lions hosts several events throughout the year that includes the annual firework display, Beerfest, the pancake day races and the duck race, is to raise money for local charities.

“And we are delighted to continue our support for the Ross Action Committee.”

Deputy mayor Cllr Sarah Freer said: “I think it is a credit to Ross that there are so many willing volunteers prepared to give up their time to help the community out in so many ways. This Action Committee bus is a prime example of that volunteer generosity.”

The committee has faced challenges in the past, such as fundraising for a replacement vehicle and securing funding for running costs.

And today the situation is no different as Rosemary Rigby, one of the original committee members who said that the action bus today is such a beauty and a treasure for Ross.

She added: “If anybody is thinking of making a gift this coming festive season, think of us at the Ross Action Committee because funds are very tight at present.

“I fully believe, like the cheque we’ve just received, that miracles do happen in Ross as we are somewhat up against it financially, at the moment.”

Ross Action Committee is holding its Annual General Meeting at the Pilgrim Hotel in Much Birch on October 16 at 7.30pm.