DELIGHTED youngsters at a Hampshire special school have a new minibus thanks to the sports charity the Lords Taverners.

The vital new vehicle, worth around £30,000, will now ferry around pupils at the Netley Court Special School, in Netley Abbey, instead of their ageing one.

The Ford minibus, which has been specially adapted to carry wheelchairs, was handed over in the shadow of Queen Mary 2.

The ships owners Cunard have teamed up with the Lords Taverners to distribute charity money to disadvantaged youngsters to celebrate their vast new vessel's inaugural voyage.

The Lords Taverners also donated £5,000 towards the cost of a new £20,000 soft playroom for the school, which caters for children with learning difficulties.

Other winners in the QM2 inspired giveaway include Woolston's Jubilee sailing Trust, which was given £4,000. The sailing charity intends to hand out ten £400 bursaries to help disabled children participate in the Tall Ship races.

Totton's Salterns School was also given special playground equipment.

Netley Court head teacher Jackie Partridge is delighted.

She said: "We were very lucky to get this. It is perfect. We were very much in need of a new one and the money for the soft playroom is really good news as well."