A CHARITY will be able to provide transport for the families it supports thanks to a generous donation by an engineering company.

Howgill Family Centre, in Cleator Moor, has been given a mini bus by Shepley Engineers Ltd.

It will be used for a range of purposes including day trips for disadvantaged children and transporting parents to courses.

Andrea Hardie-Knight, chief executive of Howgill Family Centre, said: “Shepley had a redundant mini bus, which is a fantastic gesture.

“We can take the children more places. It’s a fantastic asset to get around Copeland, with its rurality.”

Nick Houghton, managing director of Shepley Engineers Ltd, said: “It just so happened we had a mini bus spare and rather than sell it on, we put it to Howgill to see if it was something they could use.

“They had a look and said it would be absolutely brilliant. It’s worth more to them. We are pleased to be able to help out a charity that supports local people.”

Andy Horn, transport manager for Shepley Engineers Ltd, who handed over the keys to the centre, said: “It was all a matter of good timing really.

“We were updating our fleet and this minibus that had very low mileage became surplus to requirements. I was exploring avenues for selling it when I was approached by Howgill Family centre who were looking for a minibus to assist with their daily duties.

“I put it to our director, Nick about donating the mini bus to the centre to help with their needs and there wasn’t a moment’s hesitation in saying yes.

“Shepley’s take great pride in supporting the local community and it was a win-win situation for both parties. We hope it gives them many years service.”

Earlier this year, a team from Shepley Engineers Ltd also helped raise money for Howgill Family Centre by taking part in the West Cumbria Wheelie Bin Challenge - a charity walk which sees competitors walk 20 miles with a wheelie bin.