A GROUP helped by much-loved councillor Val Smith will dedicate its new minibus to the former mayor.

The Friendleys, a social group in Blackbird Leys for the elderly, are fundraising for a wheelchair-friendly minibus for Longlands Care Home, Balfour Road so residents can go on trips.

A dedication to former Leys councillor Mrs Smith, who passed away in May, will appear on the exterior.

Speaking at a weekly Friendleys meeting on Wednesday, husband and East Oxford MP Andrew Smith said: “I know that Val was very supportive of this group and it is lovely that you are doing this in Val’s memory. It’s something that would have been very important to her.

“It is vital that in later years people have full and rewarding lives. Attitudes are changing as to what older people can do and to live a full life, you need transport.

“I fully support the initiative and wish you every success. I will be donating personally and giving gifts to raffles. You have my support and councillors’ support.”

About £13,000 will need to be raised over the next 13 months to pay for the van.

A formal letter of approval from Mr Smith’s office in the House of Commons had been sent to Friendleys founder Liz Helliwell the week before.

Mrs Helliwell, 71, said: “When Val died, I wanted to do something useful and decided this is what we really needed as a memorial.

“I’m ecstatic, and very pleased to have Andrew here. Val meant so much to me.”

Longlands is home to 48 residents, some of whom require special care for dementia and Alzheimer’s. At present the home has no vehicle of its own and staff members take residents out in their own cars, restricting numbers to three to four at a time.

The home’s relationship with Friendleys has thrived in recent months. Edna Brown, 83, who received birthday roses from the group in June, said: “I love living at Longlands and I think a minibus is possible. It will benefit the people who don’t normally go out.”

Vilma Collaku, home manager at Longlands, said: “It’s wonderful that the residents of Longlands will benefit directly and we’re grateful to Friendleys for their support. We are so lucky to be part of such a strong local community here, and it is a real pleasure to be able to join with others to provide this minibus as a memorial for Mrs Smith.”

A fundraising webpage will be online in the next few days. On Saturday, August 22, a table-top sale will be held in the Glow Hall, Blackbird Leys Road, from 2.30pm to 5pm to raise money for the project. People can hire a table for £6. Call Liz Helliwell on 07810047819