A SPECIAL needs school has reached its target to buy a new minibus after a generous businessman donated £10,000.

Cedar Hall, in Hart Road, Thundersley, held a fete to celebrate its 50th anniversary and raise the remaining money needed for the vehicle.

After reading about the school's plea for help in the Echo, Michael Hayes, who runs Railscape, in Totman Crescent, Rayleigh, decided to dig deep.

He was so touched by the campaign he pledged the remaining £10,000 needed for the minibus, which will be used to take pupils on days out.

Mr Maxwell, headteacher of Cedar Hall, said staff and pupils were overwhelmed by the businessman's generosity.

He said: "We are absolutely astounded by the generosity of Micheal Hayes of Railscape.

"We cannot thank him enough on behalf of the parents, staff and children of Cedar Hall School.

"A new minibus will make a massive difference to the pupils at Cedar Hall, enabling them to participate in valuable extra curricular activities."

A cheque was presented to the school early this week.

Combined with other donations and fundraising events over the past few months, Cedar Hall has now reached its £25,000 target.

Treasurer of the school’s Parent Staff and Friends Association, Kelly Townley, added: "That this happened is astonishing.

"The children are going to be so excited.

"We had hoped to get the minibus before Christmas and now it looks like we will be able to.

"The fete, held on Saturday, also raised £5,204.

"We are really pleased with that.

"I would like to thank the other members of the committee, Julie Jenkinson, Heather Blakemore and Samantha Ing."

Cedar Hall is open to five to 16-year-olds with learning difficulties.

Railscape clear overgrown plants from railway lines across the country.

For more information, visit railscape.co.uk/