MILITARY charity volunteers will be going on the buses to collect donations for a community Christmas party in Haslingden.

Members of Veterans in Communities, which supports serving and former service personnel and their families, will be fundraising on Rosso buses from Wednesday.

The volunteers will be joined by staff from Rosso, formerly known as Rossendale Transport.

Bob Elliott, manager of Veterans in Communities, said: "Initially we will use four bus service routes that terminate in Bury.

“The aim is to have two VIC members with one of their staff on each bus.

"Two volunteers will leave Accrington, two will leave Ramsbottom and four will leave Rawtenstall on two routes.

"This is great opportunity to raise funds and work with ROSSO.

“If Wednesday is successful, we will look at replicating this on other days.”

Rosso was only too pleased to help as a number of its employees, including its managing director, Brian Juffs, are ex-servicemen.

John Newsholme, driver, said: “We are very supportive of our veterans.

“We are proud to assist them by helping them re-enter into the community via job opportunities or assisting in other areas to help promote Veterans in Communities and veteran families.

“I would just like to say that the work carried out at VIC is vital to the veterans who use this facility.

“It is a very worthy cause and all involved should be very proud of themselves.”

The community Christmas party will be held at the Mary Hindle Centre in Bury Road, the new home of Veterans in Communities.

To volunteer or donate to the charity, call 01706 871730.