Pembrokeshire Minibus Match was launched at the Community Transport Forum in Letterston earlier this month.

The idea is simple: to match community groups and schools that have a minibus with groups that need one.

"It's like a community transport dating service!" said Rachel Evans, chair of Pembrokeshire Association of Community Transport Organisations (PACTO), which is developing the scheme.

"Everyone is a winner: Minibus owning groups get income from user groups, which helps them meet the costs of running and replacing their vehicles. Borrowing groups get access to affordable transport without the expense and responsibility of owning a bus themselves."

Thirty-four minibuses are already registered with the scheme, giving community groups access to large, small and wheelchair accessible minibuses at locations throughout Pembrokeshire.

"Groups wishing to borrow a minibus through the scheme are normally expected to provide a driver," said Rachel Evans. "However, we do have a pool of volunteers to help groups that don't have their own driver."

All drivers are trained to the nationally accredited Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme standard.

The scheme is open to any community group or not-for-profit organisation in Pembrokeshire.

The first 100 groups to register their interest in Minibus Match will receive vouchers towards the cost of driver training.

For more information, call the Minibus Match booking co-ordinators free on 0800 783 1584.

Pembrokeshire Minibus Match has received funding through the Big Lottery Fund and the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013 which is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.