A PRIMARY school has thanked fundraisers who helped to make their dream of owning a minibus come true.

Businessman Dave Fishwick, known for setting up his own bank, "Bank of Dave", surprised staff, parents and children at Simonstone St Peter's CE Primary School as he personally delivered their new minibus.

The school has been fundraising for a minibus to minimise the cost of school trips, to take the children on educational trips, sporting events, dance competitions and other events.

Headteacher Jill Cockings: “We thought we had secured our funding in July and put a deposit on a minibus after approaching Dave Fishwick and his team in Colne. 

“Two days before the schools broke up for summer holidays, the school was informed they couldn't use the funds.

"Heartbroken and devastated we might not be able to keep the minibus we had set our hearts upon we decided to start fundraising ourselves.”

Over the summer holidays the children of the school took part in a sponsored event of their choice, from jam making, bike riding, lemonade stalls, bread making, swimming and hiking the children raised more than £2,000. 

Mrs Cockings said: “A mum of two children at the school started her own fundraising contribution too, she started contacting local businesses who were very generous in supporting the minibus appeal and from that we had raised enough money £23,000 in total, enough to buy our minibus.

“We had such great support from Dave Fishwick and his team who also subsidised the minibus too. We have been very lucky to have such amazing supportive local businesses.”

On Friday, the school hosted a "Minibus fest" where families and children were kept in the dark about the minibus. Mr Fishwick then arrived to a chorus of cheers and confetti cannons, surprising children and families.

Reverand Sue Ball was on hand to bless the minibus with holy water as crowds applauded.

Mr Fishwick said: “We turned up and drove in and all the kids just piled in the bus. It was fantastic to see their smiling faces.

“This bus is going to be used to take them all over Lancashire and across the UK.”