PUPILS at a York special school were delighted to welcome sailors and a brass band for a morning of entertainment.

The pupils of the Galtres School, York, enjoyed a performance from the brass quintet of the Queen's Division Normandy Band and also received a cheque for £2,000 from the sailors of HMS York in a gesture of continuing support from the ship.

Carole Rutherford, deputy head of the Galtres School, said: "The band played a selection of music, and the students were delighted. It was wonderful."

Commander Paul Porter, of HMS York, presented the cheque to the head teacher, George Gilmore.

"The students were absolutely delighted and enjoyed the presence of the sailors and the band very much.

"The money is going to be used for sun awnings to give the students protection in the playground.

"We're grateful for the continued support that we receive from the ship. It is an ongoing supportive relationship."

The school was opened in 1984 and the sailors of HMS York have assisted through fundraising to provide the school with a hydrotherapy pool and lighting.

Updated: 12:08 Tuesday, July 10, 2001