Way2Go Travel will launch on March 1 after being set-up by the Clowne & District Community Transport scheme to bolster its coffers.

Charity chairman Julian Miller said the business, which is in the process of becoming a member of The Global Travel Group, would enable the organisation to become more independent and not rely so heavily on local government support.

He said all profits raised would be invested back into the charity, which offers specialist transport for individuals and groups who are unable to use ordinary buses in north-east Derbyshire.

The group said funding had been “continually” cut by Derbyshire County Council in recent years.

Since proposing the idea last July, the charity has worked with an external advisor to learn about the legal and financial aspects of the travel industry. The agency will be run by two members of staff and take bookings through its website, appointments and telephone enquiries.

Miller said it would cater for a broad range of holiday tastes but would use its expertise to specialise in offering holidays for individuals who find travelling abroad difficult due to disabilities or lack of resources.

Miller told TTG: “We have had to try something different so we can continue to provide the services that we do for the people who need them most. We are around 80% funded by the council and 20% through areas like fundraising – we’re hoping to reverse that.”

Andy Stark, managing director of The Global Travel Group, said: “With new memberships on the rise, we are excited to welcome our latest recruit – Way2Go Travel – to The Global Travel Group. The team will join us at the Global headquarters over the coming weeks, where they will complete their two-week training course to stay one step ahead of the competition.”