A SCHOOL in York is "doubly delighted" after getting a second mini-bus from a children's charity.

Applefields Special School has taken delivery of another coach from Variety, the Children’s Charity, which provides practical help including coaches, wheelchairs, specialist equipment and days out for sick, disabled and disadvantaged children and young people throughout the country.

George Gilmore head teacher at Applefields which teaches pupils aged 11 - 19 and who have a wide range of special needs said: “We were delighted last year when we got a much needed replacement for one of our old Variety coaches which was 17-years-old.

"We were doubly delighted when we received the news that we were to get another brand new coach to replace the second of our old coaches which was also past its sell by date.”

Applefields uses the coaches extensively to transport its pupils to activities and on visits to other schools and colleges, sports events and residential holidays organised by the school.

Mr Gilmore said: “Having the coaches makes a huge difference to opportunities provided for the children and we would like to thank Variety for its on-going support and help which is really appreciated.” .

Variety's Sunshine Coaches help children at special needs schools, like Applefields, and other organisations to experience the wider world and engage with their local community.