MORE than 300 rural communities across rural England will receive new minibuses thanks to a £25m government fund.

The funding will help elderly residents, people with learning and physical disabilities and those who do not have access to a commercial bus service, said the Department for Transport.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said the minibuses would improve the everyday lives of people in rural communities and provide a vital link to medical services, shops, and social events.

A full list of successful applications – sorted by region – has been published.

An interactive map showing successful schemes has also been published.

Following this first round of allocations, the Department for Transport would look to use the fund to support additional schemes this summer, said Mr McLoughlin.

?He added: "I know first-hand how important transport providers like these can be to keep rural areas alive and protect the independence of local residents.

"They are often the lifeblood of local communities so it is only right that the government gives them the support they deserve."

The Transport Secretary marked the announcement with a visit to one of the successful schemes, Halesworth Area Community Transport in Suffolk.

"This £25m fund will buy over 300 new vehicles, some specially adapted, to help these organisations continue to carry out their important work in the community.

"We have had an overwhelming response, which demonstrates the importance of this fund, and I am keen to support similar schemes in the future."

Winners from across the country will each receive a 9 to 16-seater minibus specifically tailored to their requirements - such as disability-friendly access and adapted seating.

The Department for Transport announced the funding and criteria last November and invited applications until January.