A new Ford Transit 17-seat minibus has gone into operation to support RAF personnel and their families at the Odiham base, Farnborough, Hants.

Wing commander Justin Fowler, officer commanding base support wing, took delivery of the Ford Transit minibus on behalf of the Service Institute Fund from local Transit dealer, Inchcape Ford Farnborough.

RAF Odiham deploys on active duty in the region of 200 personnel on a regular basis, out of a strength at the base of around 1,600. The pressures of operational life are felt more keenly at the base and so the RAF raised funds to buy the Transit minibus. Peter Johnson, of Inchcape Ford Farnborough, worked with them to determine the correct information regarding tachograph regulations and supported their fund-raising efforts through sponsorship from Inchape Farnborough.

Wing commander Justin Fowler said: "Our gratitude goes to Inchcape Ford for making this possible and also to RAF Central Funds for a sizeable grant to assist the purchase."

Peter Johnson said: "Being in Farnborough, close to RAF Odiham and the Aldershot military base, we have contact with many service personnel. We were pleased to support the base in finding the right minibus to serve their community."

For further information on the Ford Transit or any of the Ford Commercial Range, contact the Commercial Sales Department at Farnborough on the number above.