WHEELCHAIR-BOUND youngsters from the Russett School in Weaverham can't go horse riding anymore.

In fact they can't get out at all.

For the school's E-reg minibus cannot cope with the youngsters' growing needs.

Teenagers have to be pushed up a ramp and lifted into specialised seats.

The gangway inside is so narrow that youngsters have to be tipped sideways to get out of their wheelchairs.

Safety regulations mean certain seats cannot even be used - and wheelchairs won't fit.

Now the school is launching an appeal to raise £25,000 to buy a new minibus.

"This particular bus cannot serve our needs anymore.

"We are looking for a bus with a tail lift at the back, to take at least six wheelchairs and seating for six helpers, not including the driver," said Elsa Williams from the school.

"We have lifted and lifted children, but they have to have their dignity. The children are growing older.

"We used to go horse riding every week to Clwyd Special Riding School in Wrexham and I used to take a group out to study the environment, it was a great opportunity for pupils to mix with mainstream children," she added.

Children at the school are aged from two to 19 years, some have profound and multiple learning difficulties through to severe learning difficulties.

The school is also appealing for a hydraulic bed, costing £2,250, which can be hoisted up to enable nursing staff to give the children a shower.

That fund has already started with Brunner Mond donating £50 and Barclays Bank contributing £225.

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