Volunteers at a life-saving Cornish charity now have access to four wheels as well as their usual two-wheeled transport.

On Saturday, Cornwall Blood Bikes took proud ownership of a brand-new Peugeot Partner van with help from Aviva Community Funding to the tune of £5000 and the donations made by the general public and organisations that actively support Cornwall charities such as the Freemasons and Rotary.

Cornwall Blood Bikes use their motorbikes transport vital medical supplies, including blood for transfusion, between medical sites across the county and into Devon, including Derriford Hospital.

The Peugeot was handed over to Blood Bikes chair, Toby Best, by business manager Gavin Richards, of Hawkins Motors at St Stephens.

Hawkins oversaw preparation, which included help from Mill Auto Signs of Redruth to livery the van in the charity’s colours and logos.

Spokesman Ian Butler said: ‘This welcome addition to our fleet will now take on several roles. 

‘Firstly, it will become an operational vehicle to continue our work especially when the weather is not favourable. 

‘Secondly, because of our increased public presence at Cornwall’s social events such as steam rallies, bike shows and more, we have to transport more and more equipment to promote and raise further funds for the charity and highlight to the public, who do not know of our work, who we are and what we do.  

‘This new asset will only go to strengthen the charity and ensure that our professional service to Cornwall’s communities and our NHS partners is further safeguarded.’