ARSON-HIT Dawlish Community Transport is rising from the ashes

The charity, which provides accessible transport to people in Dawlish and the surrounding area, says it will not be beaten following the devastating fire which totally destroyed five of its fleet of vehicles.

But within days, and thanks to support companies and other organisations, the charity was back up and running.

Mascot Travelling Ted is now firmly back in his seat, supporting passengers who are now using loan vehicles.

Manager Sally Person said there were so many people to thank for helping.

She thanked Cofton Motors for coming to their aid and GM Coachworks who have been able to loan replacement vehicles at very short notice.

Help was on hand from Curtsied Conversions from Tiverton who stepped in to check over the remaining buses to ensure they were still able to take passengers.

Sally said: ‘The list is endless and most thanks go to everyone who has made donations to this cause and every penny will go towards rebuilding our fleet.

Operatives came in to suck up rainwater from Barton car park in the aftermath of the early morning blaze to avoid any contamination of the Brook while Highfield Recovery came to move the burned out shells of the buses.

More help came from the other agencies while the Swishers cleaners came to clean all the soot and grime that had worked its way into the building.  

Police are still appealing for witnesses and despite releasing CCTV images of a man they want to speak to, there have been no arrests yet.

Anyone who may be able to help is asked to contact police via the Devon and Cornwall police website or by telephone on 101, quoting crime reference 50230195029.