A YOUTH charity will now be reaching out to towns and villages across West Oxfordshire after acquiring a new mode of transport following a year of fundraising.

Base 33, based in Witney, supports disadvantaged and vulnerable young people in the district – but its work has often been limited to Witney and Carterton.

After successfully raising £26,000 for a minibus, the charity will be able to stretch out further than before and provide support to young people who were previously cut off and isolated.

Wendy Dawson, the charity’s chief executive, said: “The minibus will enable us to extend our services and provide rural outreach.

“Constitutionally Base 33 covers West Oxfordshire but historically it’s only been doing Witney and Carterton. Thanks to the fundraising efforts we’ll now be able to reach out to more young people across the district – which is all the more important following cuts to services and buses.

“If you’re a young person and you live in a village with no access to public transport you can be significantly isolated. But now we can get in the minibus and be at the end of your village to pick you up.”

Funds were raised through a combination of grants and fundraising events. Young service users also contributed with sponsored bike rides and walks.

As well as serving to bring isolated people into the charity – Ms Dawson said the new minibus will enable Base 33 to take young people out for more trips and activities.

Mayor of Witney Chris Woodward was thrilled to see the charity acquire its new bus.

He said: “I was delighted to help launch Base 33’s new minibus and celebrate their amazing fundraising efforts.

“It’s a fantastic vehicle that will let them help as wide a possible network of people who may need the invaluable support of Wendy and her team.

“It will also bridge the gap between term breaks, give access to those who can’t get public transport and hopefully get our young adults to interviews and meeting prospective employers.

“Their work is really stepping up a gear – no pun intended – and I wish them all the success they rightly deserve.”

Base 33 was established as a youth support service for all young people in the community – with a focus on those with complex needs and substance abuse problems.