Many residents in the town will remember the ‘Alford Brothers’ bike and motorcycle business which traded for more than 50 years from their shop on Hamilton Road, before closing in 2018. The family still runs a motorcycle dealership in Folkestone and their close ties and affinity to Felixstowe remain.

At the end of last year the Fred Alford Trust donated more than £30,000 to FACTS to help finance the purchase of a brand new wheelchair accessible vehicle. The minibus is now in service; it can carry up to five passengers and is fitted with a hydraulic wheelchair lift.

Speaking of the grant award, Jeff Alford said, “My family wanted to provide an enduring gift that would benefit the town and support the fabulous work that FACTS does for many residents. The Fred Alford Trust was set up in 2005 by my uncle, initially to help deaf and visually impaired children. His legacy continues to provide support to people with disabilities and we are delighted to have been able to help”.

Chairman of FACTS, Simon Jennings added, “We are hugely grateful to Jeff and the other Trustees for their very generous support. I am sure that we can look forward to many years faithful service from the newest addition to our fleet”.