STAR readers have helped Thames Valley PHAB's minibus appeal by raising more than £400.

Since the appeal was launched before Christmas, Star readers, companies and members of the community have been helping to raise thousands of pounds to replace the club's minibus which was burnt out by vandals last year.

The club needs around £35,000 for a new bus which will then be modified to accommodate members of the Thames Valley Physically Handicapped and Able Bodied Club.

The appeal fund now stands at around £6,000 plus £5,300 insurance money which the group got for the burnt-out bus.

Kim Rose, appeals co-ordinator, said: "The response from the local community has been absolutely staggering as you can see from the figures, but we still do have a long way to go."

Thames Valley PHAB has had many donations from South Bucks companies and organisations including £1,000 from John Lewis Partnership and £1,000 from St Johns Church members in Desborough Road. Wycombe Round Table has sponsored an advert on the near side door for £2,000.

A recent quiz night on February 3, was a big success with the 85 contestants pitting their wits raising a grand total for the night of £434.17.

Anyone who would like to donate money to the fund should send a cheque, made payable to the Thames Valley PHAB Minibus Appeal, to Kelly Clayton, Star, Gomm Road, High Wycombe, Bucks HP13 7DW