A SPECIALIST school could lose its 'vital minibus' after budget cuts left bosses unable to afford the lease on the vehicle.

Parents of youngsters at Broadfield Specialist School in Oswaldtwistle have now launched a fundraising campaign to buy the bus outright.

Staff say £16,000 is needed to buy the vehicle, or 'several thousand pounds' must be raised to lease it temporarily for another term.

The bus is used to take the children to college, swimming, to hydrotherapy sessions, residentials, school trips and work experience placements.

Parent Heather Waddington, 47, from Baxenden, has set up a fundraising campaign with Lauren Cheetham to raise the money to help the school buy the minibus outright.

Her son Jack Barnes, 14, has special needs and is one of those at the school who greatly benefits from the minibus.

She said: "They go everywhere in that minibus.

"It's really important we get the money and raise the funding.

"They do lots of different after school activities with the children, they go to parks, they go swimming.

"They place a key part in their education, they use them to get to different schools.

"They really do rely on those buses to get around."

The two have set up an online fundraising page to help collect donations for the minibus.

They have also organised a fundraising 1980s night at Enfield Cricket Club in Church on Saturday, May 19 from 7pm.

The event is sponsored by Keenans Estate Agents who have also donated money to the cause.

Teacher Stephen Mills, who also chairs the friends of Broadfield group, said the minibus is crucial to improve the health and wellbeing of children.

He said: "Being a special needs school it is vital for our school, it is a necessity.

"It helps the kids get out and for hydrotherapy and teaches them lots of life skills.

"It is vital for the health and wellbeing of the children. Without a minibus we wouldn't be able to do all this.

"We'd need to raise several thousand to lease it for another few months at least.

"It is absolutely great to see parents getting involved and playing their part."

He said the school will also be organising various events themselves for the rest of the year to help raise the money required.

To donate online visit www.gofundme.com/broadfield-specialist-school.

Tickets for the 1980s night cost £10 including supper and can be bought by calling 07960 459091.