A CLUB for youngsters with special needs is hoping to raise nearly £30,000 to buy a minibus so its children can get out and about more.

Happy Hill Essex, based in Great Notley, has launched an appeal to raise the £29,260 it needs for a 17-seater bus.

Currently, the club has to hire transport, which can cost up to £400 per trip.

Founder Heather Hill said: “Our children love going on trips, but it is very expensive to keep hiring minibuses and coaches, and it means our children are not accessing all the opportunities they deserve.

“Giving them the opportunity to engage in new and exciting experiences has such a positive outcome on their health and well-being and gives them the same choices as ‘able’ children.

“We want to be able to offer every child with additional needs the same play and recreation opportunities.” The club users have conditions which include cerebral palsy, Down’s syndrome, ADHD, Asperger syndrome and hypermobility.

It opens for sessions on Saturdays and during school holidays which includes trips away.

It is hoped the new bus will have a wheelchair lift so youngsters with additional and complex medical needs can also take part in trips.

Heather said: “Children with additional needs and their families find it difficult to be included and accepted in mainstream society and can become very isolated which leads to family stress and frustration.

“Many of our families find it difficult to take their children on trips for fear of being judged by others - just because their children may behave differently.”

To donate, visit spacehive.com/minibus-for-children- with-addtional-need.