CHILDREN at Townhouse School, Nelson, are sharing a piece of good fortune to help other disabled people.

The school was picked out by the Transco gas company in recognition for its links with the community and offered £1,000 to help pay for a project.

The venture involves a day out at Pendle Leisure Centre, where they have swimming lessons every Friday.

Most of the gift will cover the cost of a special height adjustable changing bed.

The school intends to donate it to the leisure centre so that other people can also use it when they get changed for swimming.

Deputy head teacher Mrs Debbie Morris said: "Transco were very impressed with Townhouse's involvement with the local community and of the many joint partnership schemes which had been set up.

"They also particularly liked the way the project not only benefited the children at the school but also provided a resource which would be used by other people in the community."

The idea for the multi-use bed came from Brian Chapman, who teaches older teenagers at the school.

The cheque for £1,000 was presented by Mel Speight, on behalf of Transco, when he visited the school and saw a performance by the Townhouse Theatre Company.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.