A COMMUNITY bus which provides a "lifeline" to villagers has received an upgrade as part of the service's 35th anniversary celebrations.

Run entirely by volunteers as a not-for-profit venture, Coggeshall Community Bus has been operating in the town since February 1982.

The service runs around 45,000 journeys every single year to destinations like Kelvedon Railway Station, Coggeshall Library and shops in the village. Several village organisations such as Christ Church's luncheon club also utilise the service.

One user of the bus Martyn Lucas said: "I have been a regular user of the community bus for over 20 years and think it is a superb service.

"It is punctual, reliable and a great boon for village commuters. I only wish the trains could be as reliable!."

A brand new 67 plate Mercedes bus was unveiled in the village at a special ceremony to mark the anniversary of the community asset.

Coggeshall Community Bus has its own app, and the new bus also includes a new GPS tracking system - linked to the website.

Priti Patel, MP for the Witham constituency, including Coggeshall, was guest of honour at a gathering of around 60 volunteers and residents to mark the arrival of the new bus. Restaurant Ranfield's Brasserie, hosted the event on Saturday, September 9.

Ms Patel said: “The Coggeshall Community Bus provides a lifeline to local residents enabling them to go to work and go shopping.

"I commend the volunteers who run the service and show the great community spirit we have in Coggeshall.

"I congratulate them on reaching their 35th anniversary and was pleased to join them in their celebrations. I wish them further success in the future.”

All the operating costs of the bus are paid for by the small charges which users pay for each journey.

Volunteers are always needed to give up a few hours of their time a month to drive the bus. No special licence is necessary if you passed your driving test before 1997.

For more information, visit www.coggeshallbus.co.uk.