A BURY-based voluntary group has received a cash boost to help those with learning disabilities build the skills and confidence needed to use public transport.

The £30,139 funding for Bury People First has come courtesy of the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority (GMPTA) and will help the organisation develop a travel training scheme for people across the borough.

Some people need short-term help to familiarise them with how public transport works in their area and to give them the confidence to use it alone, while others need a one-to-one personalised training programme that might take place over a period of weeks or months.

GMPTA spokesman for Bury, Councillor John Byrne, said: "Travel is a part of everyday life and the ability to travel is something that most people take for granted. However, for some, independent travel can be a real challenge.

"I'm delighted we've been able to provide nearly £120,000 in total for travel training schemes across Greater Manchester, including Bury People First. I hope many more people will be able to make bus, train and tram journeys confidently, safely and by themselves as a result of this funding."

Chris Sullivan, development worker at Bury People First, commented: "Many of the people we work with have a fear that they will be bullied or attacked if they use public transport. This funding will be used to help them overcome difficulties so that they can grow in confidence about using services."

Further information about the grants available to voluntary organisations can be found in the accessible transport section of the GMPTE website (www.gmpte.com) or by calling (0161) 242 6243.