A CHARITY which takes disabled people on holiday with the help of vehicles based in Wheathampstead will be able to expand thanks to a new £1,500 grant.

The Jumbulance Trust, based in Lamer Lane, will be able to maintain its three vehicles - part coach, part ambulance - and subsidise day trip charges, enabling more people to use the service, thanks to the Hatfield-based Hertfordshire Community Foundation.

Ronald Salvesen, of the New Jumbulance Travel Trust said : "Our jumbulances are unique, and we make travel possible for many people who would have had no opportunity to do so otherwise, so keeping the buses in working order is essential."

The vehicles, each equipped with a large platform lift for wheelchair access, toilet, kitchenette, stretcher bed and specialist medical equipment in case of emergencies, have taken disabled and elderly as far as Austria, Italy, Germany, and the south of France, as British destinations such as well as the Chelsea Flower show and Silverstone.

Passengers interested in the service can visit www.jumbulance.org.uk/, call 01582 831444, or email njtt@clara.co.uk Local voluntary or community groups interested in applying for grants from the Hertfordshire Community Foundation should call 01707 251351 or go to www.hertscf.org