A NEW minibus has been declared ready to drive after a charity’s £25,000 fundraising appeal met its target.

Barry’s High Street-based ValePlus surpassed the total funds needed for a new vehicle after readers responded to Barry & District News articles which reported the charity was just £800 short.

ValePlus had said it needed a final push to secure the vehicle, which is needed to transport necessary for transporting the adult service users, who have learning difficulties.

ValePlus chairman of trustees, Mike Shanahan said: “The appeal for this began two years ago.

"We’ve had the generous support of individuals and organisations and some really fantastic fundraising efforts.

"It’s been an absolutely tremendous effort.

“It will enable us not to have to worry about getting past its MOT.

"It’s a great gift and it’s touching to know we have so much support in the community.”

ValePlus director Steve Thomas said the £800 shortfall was swiftly addressed after the newspaper reports.

He said: “The target deadline was coming to an end and we were struggling.

"Thanks to the Barry & District News articles we achieved and surpassed that target.”

ValePlus staff member Ela Gamgee, took on the Three Peaks Challenge and Dave Noble signed up for the Velothon Wales challenge to assist the cause.

Members of public and the Barry Masonic Lodge responded to the call, joining The Barry Floral Society, Barry Soroptimists, the True Colours Trust, Baily Thomas Charitable Fund, Barry Round Table, Penarth and Barry Town councils in providing financial support support.

Also helping ValePlus to reach its target were the Matthew Prewett Trust, Tesco Extra, Canton Male Voice Choir, Cadoxton Methodist Church, Asda Barry, the Vale council’s tenant association; and St Athan community centre.

ValePlus runs Café No 5 and charity shop Nova, also on High Street, which provides work experience, training, and workplace qualifications in catering and retail environments.

Donations to support its work can be given to ValePlus, in High Street, Barry.

For more information on its courses and activities, visit www.valeplus.org.uk