A bus service for the elderly, described as a ‘vital lifeline’ for its users in rural villages across the county, has seen its future temporarily secured following a donation from a local pensioner.

The Axe Valley Ring and Ride Service can continue until the end of the financial year following a donation from a member of West Dorset Western Area Transport Action Group (WATAG.)

As previously reported, due to a lack of funding and support following Covid, the bus service that offered door-to-door pick-ups for residents was due to be axed at the end of the year.

Other services stepped in to offer their replacement, but uncertainty surrounded the future of the service that helps elderly residents from around 33 rural villages in the Dorset area travel to Dorchester, Bridport and further afield.

Alan Williams, 80 and a Bridport resident his whole life, stepped in to provide assistance to the charity.

He previously helped save the Sunday service of the X53 bus and has produced a timetable to cover the whole Jurassic coast from Poole to Sidmouth.

Mr Williams said the donation of an undisclosed amount won’t be a long term fix, saying: “The idea is that the people that run it sort it and see if they can continue ideas on how to replace the service.

“The important thing is they’re not under pressure to fix the situation within six weeks. It will also give a peace of mind to people that use the service.”

The money will keep the buses running until the start of May, which is a relief to charity director Sandra Ward. 

Ms Ward said: “I am overwhelmed with the generosity of Alan Williams which has so saved the day for so many of our lovely customers.

“In this season of good will, it is nice to know that there are individuals that put their hands in their pocket to support charities such as ours.”

A spokesperson for the Axe Valley Ring & Ride Service said: "The Trustees have decided to carry on offering the service in West Dorset until the end of the financial year.

“This is due to the generous donation from a Bridport resident, Mr Alan Williams."

The spokesperson went on to say that during this period, the charity will be applying to Dorset Council for a 'small' s106 grant from the Organisational Support Revenue Fund. 

“If these applications are successful, the service should be able to continue in West Dorset,” they added.

The registered charity (1098002) is still accepting donations for the long term future of the service. Contact them on axevalleyringride@outlook.com