A FREE bus service for Hyndburn's elderly and disabled has been saved from cuts.

Charitable organisation Hyndburn Dial-a-Ride is said to provide a "lifeline" for many people, such as wheelchair users, who have no other form of transport.

However one of their three buses, which is part-funded by Hyndburn Borough Council, has had an uncertain future for the last three months.

The charity usually receives its funding in April but was unable to get any news from the council on whether their support would continue until Monday.

Volunteers at the charity, who placed signs on buses to warn regulars of possible cuts, were today celebrating after hearing the funding will continue.

Without the council's funding, they would have been forced to lose the vehicle and make the driver redundant.

The other two buses which cover Hyndburn are part-funded by Lancashire County Council and had been expected to struggle with the increased demand.

Hyndburn's Labour group say they have been fighting to keep the service as the council's cabinet looked at ways to recover a recent loss of £710,000 in government funding.

The service currently picks up disabled and elderly members at their homes, approximately 10 minutes after they call.

Deputy leader of the Labour group, coun Clare Pritchard said: "We decided to fight for Dial-a-Ride because it is an absolutely vital service.

"Many of the current users would be stranded in their homes without it.

"We know that money is tight for everybody at the moment, but this is one service that can never be cut.

"Vulnerable people can use Dial-a-Ride like a taxi service and get out whenever they need to - something most of us take for granted.

"A cut would be acceptable if it was under-used but that simply isn't the case."

Manager of Hyndburn Dial-a-Ride Norma Farmer said: "Of course I'm delighted, because it's such a vital service and the driver was going to lose his job.

"There was a lot of concern when we placed signs up explaining we could lose the vehicle, because it's a lifeline to so many people.

"It was touch and go for a while there but thankfully there will be no changes."

Leader of Hyndburn Borough Council, coun Peter Britcliffe, was unavailable for comment.

All Dial-a-Ride vehicles are specially equipped with low steps, wheelchair access and extra handrails.

The buses go wherever and whenever users wish.

For more information, contact Dial-a-Ride on 01254 237 323.