A NEW Daisy Bus to help Isle of Wight cancer patients attend mainland hospital appointments has been unveiled by the Wessex Cancer Trust.

The charity secured grant funding and donations from generous Islanders to continue providing the service, following fears it would be axed due to funding cuts.

Thanking all those who had supported the fundraising effort, chair of trustees Barry Rinaldi said: "It will be kept busy and make 10,000 trips for us. We are so proud the Island has helped us do this."

Mandy Beecher, whose husband Tom survived throat cancer and was a regular bus user, attended yesterday's (Wednesday) launch.

She has made 30 'survival bags' for passengers which include woollen hats, blankets, puzzles and other items to help them during the journey.

"The bus is an integral part of the treatment and was a real life saver for Tom," she said.