SUMMER excursions are being planned by a charity that supports a centre for children with disabilities after it received the keys for its new minibus.

The Friends of Gleneagles Resource Centre have helped to raise £12,000 over the past ten years for the new transport.

Now, with the help of the Variety Club and sponsors DeVere Hotels, the new wheels have arrived.

The minibus will be used by children who attend the Gleneagles Resource Centre, in Saltersgill, Middlesbrough, which offers short break provision to about 60 children with disabilities.

The new minibus, which is fitted with a tail-lift for wheelchair users, will be used to take the children on visits and excursions, especially during the school holidays.

The new vehicle will replace the centre's old minibus, which was also supplied with the help of the Variety Club a decade ago.

Jackie Culley, treasurer of the Friends of Gleneagles Resource Centre, said the minibus would be well-used for excursions.

"It's crucial to enable the children to have days out to visit the wonderful parks we have in Middlesbrough and other favourite destinations, " she said.

"A lot of hard work has gone into fundraising and we are just delighted it is now a reality."