School gifted new minibus by children's charity

St Mary's primary school on Stoney Lane, Kidderminster caters for 226 children who live in some of the most deprived areas of the town.

Now, children's charity Variety and parcel delivery brand DPD have funded a new minibus for the school.

Mark Wilkes, director of technical services for the DPD Group, handed the keys of the minibus, known as a Variety Sunshine Coach, headteacher of the school Sarah Perrett during a special presentation at the school on Thursday March 14.

Mrs Perrett said: “We are thrilled to receive a new Variety Sunshine Coach and we would like to say a wholehearted thank you to Variety and DPD, for making this a reality.

“As it will be an addition to our current minibus, it will enable the school to take whole classes rather than small groups on trips which will enhance their learning.”

The minibus will help the school take children to weekly swimming sessions and other sporting events.

Dwain McDonald, DPD’s CEO, said: “We continue to support Variety year after year because of the fantastic work they do and because it remains a hugely popular cause with our whole team.

"These coaches make a world of difference and it gives us enormous pleasure to handover the keys to St Mary’s Primary School.”

Frances Lang, Variety’s chief executive, said: “We are extremely grateful to DPD for helping to fund the Variety Sunshine Coach of St Mary’s Primary School.

“These coaches, often regarded as ‘mobile classrooms’, give pupils with additional needs the opportunity to experience active learning and develop life skills outside of the school environment.”

Staff, parents and local businesses also contributed to the cost of the minibus by raising funds at various events.