Lily the Tuk Tuk will deliver fruit and veg for Oxford's Restore mental health charity

The charity, which is based in Manzil Way off Cowley Road, bought the auto rickshaw thanks to a generous donation from Tricia Marsh, a supporter.

She requested that the new three-wheel delivery vehicle should be named after her mother Lily.

The petrol-powered Tuk Tuk will now be used to deliver produce grown by Restore's service users - known as members - on the Elder Stubbs Allotments in Rymers Lane.

The 12-acre allotment scheme near Florence Park is a community site providing about 100 plots for residents and organisations to grow produce.

Lesley Dewhurst, chief executive of Restore, said: "This has been made possible thanks to funds raised by Restore, and a generous donation from Tricia.

"The Tuk Tuk will facilitate deliveries of produce grown at Restore’s sites at Elder Stubbs.

"Members of Restore take part in gardening, cooking, and other therapeutic activities as part of their recovery from mental ill-health.

"Allotments at Restore sites across Oxfordshire enable members to take control of their recovery, learn new skills, and help to raise vital funds for the charity through the sale of produce including fruit, vegetables and flowers.

"Restore supports nearly 1,000 people each year in this way, to move into employment, volunteering or simply becoming more involved with their local community."

Staff at the charity officially launched the Tuk Tuk on Friday and said it has proved popular during trial runs during the past two weeks.

Lily will also be doing the rounds at the annual Elder Stubbs Festival on Saturday, August 17.

The Tuk Tuk will be operated by staff, volunteers and members as long as they are insured and have a valid licence.

Tuk Tuks started out in Japan and Thailand and are now popular in countries around the world.