A lifeline bus service in the heart of the community is in need of help. 

The CB3, run by volunteers and supported Beaminster Town Council, links rural villages to towns in west Dorset each Saturday.

The bus, so far, is a real success story for the community, having launched in 2018 in response to the then county council's decision to deregister a host of services. 

It works thanks to the generosity of volunteers, who donate their time to run it, and the town council's own chairman, Craig Monks, assumes the role of bus driver to help out. 

Many passengers with bus passes continue to pay a fare in order to help keep the popular bus - which runs between Crewkerne, Beaminster and Bridport via local villages - running. 

Five years on, the bus itself is starting to wear and efforts are underway to fund a replacement. 

Cllr Monks said: "The CB3 community bus project began when First Wessex cut the number 6 Saturday service. Dorset County Council donated the bus that was surplus to its own fleet which was a great help in setting up the CB3.

"But after five years of successful service, we need to start thinking about a newer bus to ensure the future of the service and to help control the costs of running the bus.

"The CB3 is really popular. I would say it is vital for a lot of people out in rural areas. Not only is it essential in terms of getting people from A to B but it has a social aspect too, without it some people would be quite isolated in these rural areas."

Cllr Monks estimates around £40,000 will need to be raised for the new bus.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News: Pictured: Cllr Craig Monks, Simon Neville-Jones and MP Chris Loder

Just last week, Beaminster estate agency Mayfair Town and Country promised to provide significant financial support to the CB3 bus service.

The agency will contribute £25 for every property they sell towards the bus service, saying it hopes to further cement its commitment to the town's residents and their transportation needs.

Cllr Monks added: "We are delighted that Mayfair has offered to support the town and its community bus service in this way.

"We are extremely fortunate to have Mayfair supporting our community and its vital transport service in the CB3."

On behalf of the estate agent, Simon Neville-Jones said: "We feel it is very important to be part of our community. The bus provides an essential Saturday link between Beaminster and Bridport and villages along the route."

Cllr Monks says a crowdfunder for the new bus is planned for the new year.  Anyone who wants to support the service can find more information at discoverbeaminster.co.uk