A PHARMACY is raising money to fund a school minibus so children with special educational needs can enjoy day trips.

Each year staff at Day Lewis Pharmacy in Colchester choose a different cause to support and this year they have chosen Lexden Springs School.

The pharmacy will host a charity day to raise money to buy the school a new people carrier.

The vehicles are essential in ensuring the children can take part in weekly trips and work experience placement, but due to a shortage in transport some children are struggling to get out.

Jo Jones, who works at the pharmacy in Crouch Street, said her six-year-old daughter Lily attends the school.

She said: “Lily has autism, global development delay

and hypermobility in her legs. We have just bought a special needs buggy for her.

“Every Wednesday she goes on trips with the school, they go to the beach, parks and the zoo. But some children are not always able to go because of a lack of buses.”

Emily Cornell is in charge of careers and transition at the school.

She said about £20,000 should cover the cost of a new people carrier.

She said: “At the moment we have three minibuses of varying ages.

“We need to fundraise to replace them at some point and we also want to buy a people carrier so our older students can get to work experience placements.

“Where possible we do use public transport but this gives us more freedom.”

The children will be moving to their new premises in Winstree Road, Stanway, in September.

It will mean more buses are needed to accommodate student numbers.

Emily said each class is allocated a time to use the buses.

She said: “The buses are used on a timetable so there have been occasions where certain classes cannot use them.”

The pharmacy will be holding a bake sale, book sale, raffle and will dress up in fancy dress to raise money.

Everyone is welcome to attend on June 7. Day Lewis will match the total amount raised.

n The school is looking for employers to get involved with the work experience students. Call 01206 563321 to speak to Emily about opportunities.