Ford has donated a Transit minibus to Southampton City Council for use by local community groups.

The minibus will be available for community groups to hire, and will also be used for the Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme.

It has nine seats including the driver's, a high roof and large luggage area. The council says it will be making a small charge of £25 per day to cover basic costs such as maintenance, insurance and breakdown cover.

Community groups can register with the scheme for free: details are available on the council's website.

Councillor Simon Letts, Leader of Southampton City Council, said: "While it is a sad day with the closure of the Transit assembly plant, Ford is still retaining a significant presence in Southampton at the docks and at the plant site - with the establishment of vehicle refurbishment and distribution centres. We are also working hard with Ford to bring vibrant and exciting opportunities to this site, so that we secure a bright new future and create new jobs.

"I would like to thank Ford for the donation of this Transit mini bus which will be used to benefit community organisations in the city."

Ford has also donated Transit vehicles to Naomi House and Cedar School,

The Mayor of Southampton (Councillor Ivan White) with Councillors Stephen Barnes-Andrews and Sharon Mintoff, volunteers from local community groups and Ford representatives.