BOYS’ Brigade members are travelling in style thanks to a £2,000 windfall from Kidderminster Carnival.

The donation has enabled the Mitton Hall-based 1st Kidderminster brigade to replace its old worn-out minibus with a much improved secondhand 17-seater.

Members raised £4,000 towards the cost of the £6,000 vehicle and officer Graham Knight said the carnival donation had been a major boost.

He said: “We did not expect to raise the money so quickly and are very, very grateful to the carnival for its assistance.

“If we didn’t have a minibus it would have a major impact on the company, as we use it to take the boys to camps and weekly activities.”

The vehicle is also used to transport the boys’ brigade band to events and parades.

Carnival chairman Colin Hill added: “The committee is delighted to be able to give £2,000 to the brigade and are very grateful for the support its members gave to last year’s carnival after being chosen as the main beneficiary.”

SARA - the Severn Area Rescue Association - has received £250 from last year’s carnival proceeds and £100 has gone to the Kidderminster Club for the Blind.

The year’s carnival will be at Brinton Park on Saturday June 22.