DISABLED residents from an Accrington home left devastated by the theft of their minibus are ready to hit the road once more thanks to a £24,000 fundraising drive.

Rough Lee Home in Rough Lee Road has been left without transport for its residents since November - when their old vehicle was stolen from outside the building.

But all that has now changed thanks to kind donations from the community and bosses thrilled to have the keys to a new specially adapted minibus.

The home, run by charity The Alex Group, cares for around 14 severely physically disabled adults aged between 18 and 65 years old and also has one respite space.

The recently purchased bus which can carry up to eight people, has already been used to take thrilled residents to the Trafford Centre but its biggest excursion is a week-long trip to the Lake District.

Residents are heading to The Calvert Trust at Bassenthwaite Lake where they will take part in a range of exciting outdoor activities.

Registered manager at Rough Lee, Andrea Buckley said: "Back in November we got our minibus pinched. We never got it back.

"We were devastated. The residents were upset. We were really upset because we hadn't had it long. We got it in the August and then it was pinched in November.

"We got the money for a new minibus and now we are taking some of the residents down to the Lake District.

"The residents are thrilled we have got the new bus now and we have had it all adapted. They can't wait to get there. They are really excited.

"It gives them much enjoyment and freedom and they get to meet new people."

The home has since upped its security measures and installed CCTV cameras since the minibus theft.

Rough Lee Home is also currently celebrating its 30 anniversary and has set up the 30 Anniversary Campaign.

The campaign aims to raise £30,000 and the charity has raised £15,000 to date.

Local groups including Accrington Rotary and Accrington Bikers, 'The Cogheads' have also done fundraising for the home.

It is also on the lookout for a new patron since former Coronation Street star, Julie Hesmondhalgh stepped down from the role.

For more information about becoming a patron contact the home on 01254 393152.