A SPECIAL needs school says its future is “bright again” after being presented with a brand new minibus for its pupils.

The Lancaster School in Prittlewell Chase, Westcliff received the 17-seater bus from property company, Mountpark and the children’s charity, Variety.

Headteacher Melanie Hall received the keys for the Variety sunshine bus from Radio One DJ and former match announcer at Fulham Football Club, David Hamilton.

It followed a charity football match at the home of Fulham, Craven Cottage.

Ms Hall said: “The bus is simply a lifesaver for us.

“We could not have afforded to replace our worn out bus without the help of Mountpark, we just do not have the money.

“The future is bright again for our students.

“Instead of wasting money keeping a very old and scruffy bus on the road, we can now channel the money into extending the visits and activities in the community for all our students.”

The charity fixture was held between Mountpark All Stars and IAS All Stars in support of Variety, which helps children with disabilities through school and their early development.

The charity has been working in the UK since 1949, where it has raised more than £200million for 800,000 children suffering from ill health, are disadvantaged and disabled.

The event raised enough money for Variety to guarantee the new minibus for Lancaster School.

Philip O’Callaghan, managing director of Mountpark UK and Ireland presented the keys to Ms Hall alongside Mr Hamilton following the match.

He was proud to be able to support Variety and Lancaster School.

He said: “We are delighted that this bus will make such a positive contribution to Lancaster School.

“We are also very pleased to be working with Variety.

“In the UK and Ireland, Mountpark has donated a total of 29 variety sunshine coaches and we are proud to be associated with such a worthwhile project.”

The Academy special school helps 77 students aged 14 to 19 with a range of complex needs including those with severe learning disabilities.