A club in Mersea wanting to buy a new community bus has been denied lottery funding - because the club's headquarters is across the Atlantic.

The vital community bus run by Mersea Island Lions Club has fallen into disrepair and a new one is now desperately needed.

But after getting to the second stage of the charities board assessment scheme the application was turned down - because the Lions Club organisation was set up overseas.

The decision has inflamed Mersea Island club members who are now set to struggle on with their old bus.

John Pinks, spokesman for the club, said: "It is not denied that 'Lions' were established in America, but it is now international. Following that argument to its logical conclusion, the Church is ruled out, because that all started in the Holy Land two thousand years ago.

"Forms were filled in, briefing meetings were attended, phone calls went back and forth, and approximately six months later it was rejected."

Sally Dyson, regional development officer for the national lottery's charities board, said: "All organisations have to be constituted within this country to be eligible to apply.

"Unfortunately they are constituted in America. If they want to amend their constitution they might well be successful."

Since the charities board was set up more than £3 million has been pumped into the Colchester area, and £14,843,000 across Essex.

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