Volunteers in Pershore have raised over £40,000 to buy a new electric vehicle.

The Pershore Volunteer Centre have hit their target of £44,000 to buy a new wheelchair accessible vehicle, thanks to the generosity of local residents and businesses.

The vehicle has now been ordered and is set to arrive on April 6.

A spokesperson of the Volunteer Centre said: “Thank you to all the businesses and individual’s that helped make this a reality, because of the generosity of so many we will now be able to reach more people in our community that are unable get out and about.

“Pershore and District Volunteer Centre can continue to help strengthen the local community and ensure that play a full and active part in their community.

“We are particularly grateful for the support of the Foresters Friendly Society in Pershore for pulling out all the stops to make a generous donation in time to meet the Crowdfunding target.”

The Centre has seen a surge in demand for its social car scheme since the pandemic began.

This, partnered with a plea to restart the Lunch Club for older, vulnerable, members of society, prompted the Centre to launch the appeal.

The waiting list for the Lunch Club increased by 120 per cent during the pandemic and so it is hoped this new vehicle will help transport people to the event, as well as being used for other social activities around Pershore and neighbouring villages.