A TELECOM firm poised to move its call centre from India to East Lancashire is forging links with the community after donating a Variety Sunshine Coach to a special school.

New Call Telecom, which is moving part of its operation from Mumbai to Simonstone, has given the specially-adapted minibus to Holly Grove School, Burnley.

The school, at the Burnley Campus in Barden Lane, caters for around 55 children with learning difficulties.

New Call chief executive officer, Nigel Eastwood, said the school was chosen because it is on the site of his former school, Barden High.

The 44-year-old said he wanted to get involved with local communities ahead of the move to the ex-Time Computer Systems site, which will create 100 jobs in the first year.

He said: “It was fantastic to be involved and, in particular, to see how much the pupils, parents, and staff appreciated the coach. Giving something back to the local area and to such a needy group of pupils was a very positive experience for all involved.”

The Sunshine Coach scheme, created by the Variety Club children’s charity, is kitted out to transport disabled youngsters.

Last year, Holly Grove pupils launched a charity appeal to raise money for a new minibus in memory of their friend and classmate, Georgia Fourie.

Nine-year-old Georgia, who had cerebral palsy, curvature of the spine, epilepsy and was quadriplegic and blind, died in March, 2009.