PASSENGERS using Dawlish Community Transport’s services will now be able to travel in its latest vehicle.

The addition to the fleet was made possible with funding from an anonymous source with the cash was put towards the cost of a replacement wheelchair accessible car. 

Its arrival comes as the charity is desperate for more volunteer drivers. 

The car has been named Oscar by regular passenger Wendy Haigney who was inspired by her granddaughter Vicki. 

Wendy won a competition held by community transport organisers to choose the name.

She explained: ‘On a visit to the former Living Coasts in Torquay some years ago with my granddaughter Vicki, we had the opportunity to see a new-born baby seal.

‘Apparently, it was one of only three at the time to have been born safely.  

‘Lots of children were there and were allowed to feed the seals some fish from buckets. 

‘My granddaughter couldn’t believe her luck.

‘On the way out of the centre, all the children were encouraged to write a name for the new baby seal and pop it into a huge container.

‘Vicki wasn’t sure at first but after a lot of yes and no names she came up with Oscar.

‘After several weeks went by, a phone call arrived to say she had won and the name of Oscar was given to the new baby seal.  

‘Vicki won tickets to visit with the family for the next year, to check on the new arrival.’

By tradition, all of the charity’s cars and minibuses are given names and are often identified by their name rather than the vehicle.  

Historically there are always vehicles called Bert and John, in memory of the charity’s founders. 

As the fleet has expanded and changed its vehicles, names have also changed and now include Eric and Lottie. 

Transport manager Sally Preston explained: ‘We benefitted from an anonymous fund some time ago, to put toward the purchase of a replacement wheelchair accessible car.

‘Many months later, following huge delays, one being the wrong vehicle being sent from abroad, finally it arrived and spent many weeks being converted before arriving with us, to join our fleet.  

‘It is a fully adapted, accessible and very versatile car to support our community journeys.’