PRIMROSE Hospice has been awarded a grant to replace its old van, which is currently costing the charity more than £2,000 each year to repair.

The existing van, used to transport donations to and from charity shops, frequently breaks down, meaning stores often run short of stock.

Corporate fundraising manager Kate Kelly said: "We use the van quite a lot for collecting donations from shops and transporting fundraising materials but it’s cost us quite a lot to keep on the road plus it’s not the best looking.

"A new one would be a massive amount of money for us and we just don’t have that kind of funds, so when we saw the opportunity with Bromsgrove council to bid for a grant we decided it was too good to miss.

"The new van will make a huge difference to our fundraising.

"A new van will enable the hospice to continue to raise essential funds to ensure that the growing population in Bromsgrove and Redditch will be able to access the care they need, when they need it, for as long as they need it."

Primrose is one of 14 community groups across Bromsgrove to benefit from £170,000 in funding, as part of the district council's New Homes Bonus scheme.

Deputy council leader Karen May added: "It was fantastic to see such a strong response to our New Homes Bonus scheme this year. Now we’re all looking forward to seeing these projects delivered.”