Comedian Stan Boardman presents Chester school with new minibus

Nov 18 2010 by Allison Dickinson, Chester Chronicle

Comedian Stan Boardman presents Chester school with new minibus

PUPILS of Dee Banks School in Chester can travel in style thanks to a new Variety Club Sunshine Coach.

The specially designed 17-seater minibus, which has been sponsored by De Vere Hotels, is equipped with an essential tail-lift.

The new coach will be used for all kinds of educational and recreational activities in the wider community, such as visits to local shops, theatres and sporting facilities, as well as outdoor education or residential visits.

It means a great deal to the children of Dee Banks, in particular the most profoundly disabled pupils, because the tail-lift will enable them to join in activities which previously were unavailable to them.

The Sunshine Coach was generously sponsored by De Vere Hotels, which raised the largest proportion of the money.

Cash was also raised through fundraising efforts of the Dee Banks pupils, staff, parents and the school community.

Headteacher Ray Elliott said: “This is a really generous gift which will enable our young people to have access to a much wider curriculum.

“We are delighted with our new bus and really grateful to the Variety Club and De Vere Hotels for their support.”