Watbus Community Transport, based in West Sleekburn, has secured a donation which can pay for 20 people over the age of 50 to have free mini bus driving training.
The group operates with a fleet of 12 mini buses throughout Northumberland, North Ty
neside and Newcastle for charities and organisations to use.
Training includes health and safety, wheelchair access, customer care as well as driving to upgrade or refresh existing skills.
Watbus manager Lynn Mcintosh said: "We are delighted to have been awarded this money which is very hard to find these days.
"This means we can offer free driver training to 20 people over 50 years of age who want to drive a mini bus for a voluntary group.
"The Midas training we provide is to a national standard for unpaid volunteer drivers which enables them to drive for their own organisation.
"This provides greater flexibility for the customer and they benefit from Watbus group discount on mini bus hire.
"We have a team of 15 volunteer drivers ready to support other voluntary groups and are keen to encourage as many people as possible to get involved in volunteering and become a driver for their own organisation, group or club."
Anyone interested in the free driver training or sponsoring a bus should contact (01670) 522999 or e-mail
lynn.watbus@yahoo.co.uk