THE generosity of local people and businesses in helping keep a special school's minibus on the road was recognised at a presentation ceremony at the school.

Pupils at Townhouse School, Nelson, which helps youngsters aged between five and 19 who have severe learning difficulties, presented paperweights they had made to representatives from the local business community.

Senior teacher Brian Chapman explained: "We had to have the seats and seatbelts in the minibus strengthened because of new safety regulations and we were landed with a £700 bill.

"It costs us a lot to run the minibus, which gets used every day, and when you get an extra bill like that, we were struggling."

Pendle Training Group, Nelson, where staff member Anne Mackereth's husband works, stepped in and contacted Brookvale Motors, a local garage, which carried out the work free of charge.

"People in Pendle and Burnley are very generous in helping meet the costs of running the minibus and we wanted to thank them for their support. We are extremely grateful," said Mr Chapman.

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