THE campaign to reinstate the bus service between Newent, Ross and Ledbury received a very welcome Christmas gift.

The Buses4Us campaign received a £10,000 from the Hellens Manor charity at Much Marcle.

Adam Munthe from Hellens said: “The Hellens team and myself are hugely excited by the possibility of a local bus route opening up again. 

“Firstly because of the need for public transport in these challenging times, and then from an environmental perspective using a public service rather than private vehicles can only be beneficial. 

“Finally, the bus will make it easier for our local community to visit and use Hellens which, as a charity and a much-loved family home, is what we’re all about!”

A spokesperson for Buses4Us said: “A huge thank you to all at Hellens Manor. 

“This pledge brings our total raised to  about £160,000.”

It is hoped that the 232 service linking the three towns will be running again from next Spring.