A project created to enable community groups broaden their horizons has been awarded almost £100,000 to buy a new minibus.

Llandysul a Phont Tyweli Ymaen has been awarded £98,300 by the National Lottery to expand its Transport for All project through the purchase of a new adapted 16-seat minibus.

Llandysul a Phont Tyweli Ymlaen Cyf was set up in 2004 as a “not for profit” organisation managed by volunteers.

The company’s initial objectives were to help build “a strong and viable future for the communities of Llandysul and Pont-Tyweli through integrated action to sustain, enhance and promote the area’s environment, local economy, distinctive culture and quality of community life”.

The company’s Transport for All project was created to address issues of transport for groups in the area unable to travel to events and trips due to a lack of suitable vehicles.

Such was the success of the scheme that Llandysul a Phont Tyweli Ymlaen expanded its service and now has three minibuses and two disability cars in the Llandysul area.

However, the influence of the project spread across Carmarthenshire and the company now also has minibuses based in Carmarthen and Llanelli.

The latest National Lottery award will be used to fund the purchase of a minibus for the Ammanford area.

In addition, a project development officer will recruit and train volunteer drivers and co-ordinate the use of the minibus with various groups and sheltered accommodation venues in the area.

A spokesman for Llandysul a Phont Tyweli Ymaen said: “We have seen such a dramatic rise in people needing our service and we have had people from the Ammanford area contacting us asking for help.

“We try to provide the service for as many people as we can and so are expanding further.

“We cater for people of all ages, from youth groups to the WI, organisations looking to arrange trips and sheltered housing days out.”

Tom Cowcher, chairman of Llandysul a Phont Tyweli Ymaen, said: “We are delighted that the Lottery were able to support us with this funding bid, it’s really good news.

“The funding will allow us to place a much-needed, accessible minibus in the Ammanford area.”