North Yorkshire's only school specialising in educating handicapped youngsters is enjoying a two-pronged celebration.

Welburn Hall School, Kirkbymoorside - which has twice faced closure - is marking its golden jubilee and has just received two pieces of equipment for its physiotherapy department, provided by staff at Ryedale District Council's canteen and Botton Village Workshops project.

While its existance had once been under threat, headteacher Vic Hall says the school's future is now buoyant as a result of recent investment at the former country mansion.

He said: "We have provided many big improvements, including a food technology department, refurbished the IT area and built new accommodation for post aged 16 students."

The school has 49 pupils. It is funded by North Yorkshire County Council with some staff provided by Scarborough NHS Trust and extensive public fundraising said Mr Hall.

"The prospects did look grim a few years ago, but today Welburn Hall is seen as one of the finest schools of its kind in the country," he said.