STUDENTS and staff from a Clent special school will soon be travelling in style, thanks to the generosity of its supporters who have raised more than £20K to buy a new minibus.

But Sunfield School still needs to find around £28,000 to purchase another minibus and a small car which would allow carers to take children to various appointments.

The minibuses are vital to get students, who have complex learning needs, including autism, out and about.

If the school's current vehicles, which have seen better days, are not replaced, educational and social trips to community facilities such as swimming pools, leisure centres, cafés and shops, would be almost impossible.

Donations for the first minibus have flooded in from student's families, charitable trusts, and many of its regular supporters and staff and Mike Brown of Dreamland Bedding, Brierley Hill.

Mr Brown, who organised a Christmas fundraising event in Belbroughton, said: “My wife Jacqui and I heard that Sunfield needed some help and were delighted to donate contributions raised from our annual Christmas party which met the £1,800 shortfall. I believe that when people have a tangible target for their contributions they are happy to donate to make an appeal succeed. And I hope people will support the fundraising for the next minibuses.

"We have been connected to Sunfield for many years. The work that they do makes a huge difference to the lives of many young people and their families, not just from the local area but from across the UK.”

Ian Jones, Sunfield’s director of appeals and development, added: “The school’s rural setting means that transport needs are a major consideration, especially during bad weather. We launched our fundraising appeal in September and we are delighted that we’ve reached our first target so quickly.

"We are grateful to everyone who has supported us so far and we would like to thank Dreamland Bedding for their ongoing support that has helped us to complete the first appeal. We really need two more vehicles with a total price tag of £32K, so we’re calling on the local community to get involved to help us reach our fundraising destination.”

Donations can be made online via www.justgiving.com/sunfieldminibusappeal.