A special school has started a campaign to raise funds for a minibus.

Phoenix School needs to raise £17,000 for a specially-adapted vehicle which will accommodate wheelchair users.

Around a third of the Keighley school’s 65 pupils use wheelchairs, but the existing 16-seater minibus is not able to carry them.

“Whenever we take out any of the children in chairs we have to hire an adapted minibus which can cost anything from about £40 to £70 a session,” said the school’s community co-ordinator, Jason Patefield.

“The new vehicle would have removable seats and a tail-lift and would be used to take the pupils on trips to everything, ranging from swimming to parks and supermarkets.”

The school has so far raised about £12,000. Once it reaches its £17,000 target, it can be included on a Variety Club 12-month waiting list for the new bus. To make a donation, contact Mr Patefield on (01535) 607038.