A WEST Somerset community bus operator celebrated two successful decades of helping vulnerable local residents at the weekend.

Accessible Transport West Somerset (Atwest), based in Mart Road, Minehead, hosted a social gathering in its depot for 60 people on Sunday (May 25).

The guest of honour for the 20th anniversary party was West Somerset MP Rachel Gilmour, who was accompanied by Somerset Council chairman Cllr Mike Best and Minehead Cllr Mandy Chilcott.

Atwest general manager Simon Stanford said it now ran 17 minibuses and employed 25 staff on behalf of the council.

Its main operations were service buses, school bus services, the Slinky dial a ride bus, shopper buses, and travel club trips.

More information about Atwest services can be found on its website.