ELATED children at a special educational needs school gathered to celebrate the unveiling of a brand new minibus.

Pupils at Addington School in Woodley will now be able to take part in a variety of activities following a successful £55,000 fundraising campaign.

Woodley and Earley Lions Club and the Lord's Taverners teamed up to provide the majority of the funds for the new cricket-themed vehicle, which was revealed on Tuesday.

Councillor Jenny Cheng, mayor of Woodley, handed over the keys to Sara Attra, head teacher of the outstanding special school.

Mrs Attra said: "This bus will form the backbone of our curriculum and not just extra curricular activities.

"A lot of our pupils in Key Stage 4 don't have the opportunity to explore and get off site. They need to be a part of the community and learn a range of skills.

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"We are like a big family and we do depend on community spirit and charity to support what we are trying to deliver for each and every child.

"I can't tell you how grateful we are to both Woodley and Earley Lions and the Lord's Taverners for allowing us to purchase this bus."

Addington houses 205 pupils with a range of learning difficulties and rare genetic conditions, with an astonishing 190 staff on hand to help the children.

The new minibus provides specially adapted wheelchair access to allow children in wheelchairs the opportunity to get out of the classroom.

Tim Dixon, president of Woodley and Earley Lions Club, added: "The majority of the donation was made up from the Lord's Taverners, but we were also approached for a donation.

"Over the last 12 months the Lions have made an extra effort to provide transport to the community and that has been a high priority for us.

"We recently donated a vehicle to Woodley First Responders and now we have had the chance to give the children a bus they can be proud of and hopefully use every day.

"It has been one of the most significant years for the Lions in terms of the funds we have been able to donate."