A CHARITY put back on the road thanks to a £15,000 grant from your Argus and help from bus firm Sta-gecoach is set to launch a new phone-line.

Newport-based Teen Challenge, which aims to help drug users kick their habit, was awarded the grant in May after making a bid to the charitable arm of our American parent company, Gannett.

The money will go towards the cost of replacing the charity's broken-down mobile coffee bus, which was used to help disadvantaged youngsters.

It means they are able to buy a new bus and get to the young people and adults with drug addiction and anti-social behaviour issues. It will also be used to visit local schools to educate children about drug misuse.

Last week volunteers from Teen Challenge were trained to use a bus which is on loan from Stagecoach until August, when it will also get a new one donated by the company.

That bus will soon be joined by the bus made possible by the Argus cash, together with donations from Gwent Police, and the High Sheriff's Shrievalty Fund.

Now, in another boost, Gwent's support for the charity is helping them launch a new phoneline.

The group is piloting a new national helpline for people with problems to talk and get advice around the clock.

The helpline is under trials, but should be up and running by September. Caroline Johnson, of Teen Challenge, said: "We will be printing the number on cards which can be given to people we meet and left in public places. It means people can always reach us when they need us."

She has been overwhelmed by the generosity of people across Gwent who have been phoning and offering financial support.

Most recently, help has come from Dave Sargent Windows and Michelle Roderick, who have donated funds to promote the new helpline.