A SCHOOL for autistic children has taken delivery of a 17-seater mini bus donated by a showbiz charity.

The Variety Club Sunshine Coach was handed over to the Barbara Priestman School, Meadowside, Sunderland, by Kevin Ball, youth team coach and former first team manager at Sunderland AFC.

The vehicle, sponsored by The Co-operative, will be used to transport pupils on educational trips, such as visits to local shops, theatres, swimming pools and other sports facilities.

The Variety Club’s chairman of The Sunshine Coach Committee, Malcolm Brenner, said: "Since 1962, we have donated over 5,000 Sunshine Coaches.

"Variety Club’s minibuses ensure children can interact with the world around them in an environment of fun, entertainment and education whilst ensuring our most precious cargo is transported as safely as possible.

"With the support of organisations like The Co-operative, the Variety Club can continue to highlight that being disabled or disadvantaged need not be a barrier to achieving the most out of life."

Suzanne Heron, The Co-operative’s membership officer for the region, said: "As a community retailer, we are really proud to have been able to sponsor this coach. It’s fantastic that the pupils will be able to get out and about in the local area, learning new social skills and building their confidence."

School head Carolyn Barker said finding suitable transport for pupils was one of the school’s biggest issues.

"Having the coach will mean that we can just concentrate on where we want to go rather than how we are going to get there.

"We can plan more of the trips out which the children love. We are so grateful to receive the Sunshine Coach from the Variety Club and it’s hard to put into words what it will mean to the pupils and staff.’’