A school from Stockton has said a big thank you to a car dealership for helping them out in their hour of need.

Norton School play in the National Schools Association Badminton Finals next weekend but the squad needed transport for the long journey to Luton.

The team of Andrew Laing, Roberto Cecere, Nicky Davison and Michael Dewell, Head of Boys' Physical Education Malcolm Dewell and coach Ian Livesey are to travel next Friday in preparation for the tournament which is held the next day.

Mr Dewell asked fellow teachers for suggestions, one of which came from Christine Edmondson who reccommended contacting Williamson Peugeot of Darlington who were more than happy to lend a hand.

They've given the school the use of a Peugeot 806 people carrier plus a full tank of petrol for the weekend and Malcolm is hoping his pupils will repay Williamson's generosity with an impressive performance.

"It's not just about this year. These lads have been playing badminton for the last three, four or five years and this is just a culmination of that work."

Norton School achieved sixth place at the finals in 1999 and are looking to emulate that by going further this time around. Three of the four players competed in '99 with Andrew being the new face in the .

"He's come on leaps and bounds to get in to this team," said Malcolm.

"This is a massive achievement for a small inner-city school from Stockton to get this far.

"Whether or not we can compete with some of the bigger and richer schools from down south in another matter.

"The school that beat us last time had specially built a badminton court and were training until 8pm every evening."

Mr Dewell has praised ex-pupil Ian Livesey, 26, for his part in the team's success.

"Ian has been coaching them after school and at weekends," he said. "He's also encouraged them to play club badminton.

"They all play for Acklam Badminton Club now where Ian is a player.

Ian McGrath of Williamson said: "We always like to help the community when we can, as Christine is a dedicated customer to us it's nice that we can show our appreciation by being of support to her."