A new specialised vehicle which will help reach out to, and connect, local communities has arrived on the Island. 

The CHAT (Community, Health, Advice and Training) bus was the vision of Age Concern Isle of Man, and has become reality thanks to funding from a number of local firms and organisations, and the Manx public.

Starting life as a standard single decker, it's been converted and now has full heating and air-conditioning, disabled access, LED lighting, tinted windows, a lounge area, kitchenette and a private meeting room/IT-suite for up to six users.

There is also a seven-metre remotely controlled external awning, and outside seating.

Age Concern Isle of Man's chief executive Penny Creighton says the CHAT bus has the power to bring people of different generations and communities together, describing its arrival as 'a 17-year dream which has come true'.