Aberdeen YMCA, Scotland - Developing young people in body, mind and spirit since 1858

An Aberdeen group has raised £26,000 to buy a new minibus.

Members of Aberdeen YMCA spent 18 months fund-raising for the Ford vehicle.

The YMCA, which organises community activities for children and youths, already had one bus - but it was over 10 years old and did not have any of the more modern safety features which could be expected of the newer models.

The new 17-seater bus arrived before the summer school break. However, the group had to wait until this week to get the YMCA colours and insurance sorted out.

They are due to receive the keys at a ceremony on Wednesday.

The group raised the cash through a variety of methods including bag packing and car washes. They also received two grants from Aberdeen Safer Community Trust and Sheddocksley Baptist Church.

Mike Will, of Aberdeen YMCA, said: "There is no doubt that being able to replace our old mini-bus will enable the YMCA to continue delivering activities that develop and enhance the knowledge and understanding of young people and others in an environment which promotes inclusion, life-long learning and equality of opportunity."