An Irvinestown-based charity which provides community transport to those in rural areas has just learned it is to benefit from significant funding over the next six years.

Fast Rural Transport is to benefit from the Lloyds TSB Foundation's £2 million Creating Changing Programme, one of Northern Ireland's main supporters of small charities and community groups.

The group will receive £99,899 from the Foundation over the next six years from the Foundation which has specifically targeted charities working in the areas of social and community need, education and training across Northern Ireland.

Speaking at the announcement of the recipients in Malone House in Belfast recently, Gary Mills, the Chairman of the Lloyds TSB Foundation for Northern Ireland explained why the funding is so important.

"The Foundation in Northern Ireland supports over 300 organisations working with disadvantaged people and communities each year.

"Through our £2 million Creating Change Programme, we have the opportunity to provide longer term funding for voluntary groups who offer valuable community services but have found it difficult in recent years to secure financial support over a longer period,".

Bronagh Gormley, Project Manager for Fast Rural Transport said: "The funding is a tremendous opportunity, allowing us to move forward knowing that there is funding for six years".

She thanked the Lloyds TSB Foundation for their support and belief in FAST's work.

"It will enable us to continue our daily telephone service to older and vulnerable people in our area through our CHIT CHAT Project Worker and volunteers", she explained. "And, the project will also encourage the use of the community transport provision to reduce isolation in rural areas across Fermanagh and South Tyrone."

One hundred and sixty-five organisations applied for funding under the Creating Change Programme after the Foundation went on an eight-venue, six county information roadshow last year. Each of the 19 organisations will receive up to £100,000 each.