A SCHOOL in Rossendale has taken delivery of a new minibus after a cricket charity went in to bat for young people.

Representatives of the Lord’s Taverners presented the wheelchair-accessible vehicle to Tor View School in Haslingden.

The 16-seat vehicle will transport pupils to local educational visits and activities and on residential trips further afield.

Tor View Specialist School caters for 160 children and young adults with a wide spectrum of special educational needs.

Principal Angela Holdsworth said: “In these challenging financial times for schools a new accessible minibus is fantastic.

“Put quite simply, we could not have afforded to fund a new vehicle ourselves.

“I have no doubt that our students will benefit enormously from the charity’s generosity.

“We also extend our thanks to our school friends group, Friends of Tor View, who raised the school contribution that enabled us to access the Lord’s Taverners funding.”

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Among the activities to which the minibus will transport pupils and staff are swimming, trampolining and lessons at the dry ski slope.

Mrs Holdsworth added: “These physical and wellbeing opportunities are so important for our young people and having suitable transport is key to accessing them.”

The Lord’s Taverners is the UK’s leading youth cricket and disability sports charity. Since 1976 it has placed more than £1,150 accessible minibuses across schools inthe UK.

Chief executive Paul Robin said: “This minibus will help Tor View’s pupils to get out and enjoy new places and experiences in Rossendale.

“We are proud to support the staff, parents and young people at Tor View.”

The minibus donation was made possible by the support of players of the People’s Postcode Lottery.