AN eagerly-awaited school minibus was handed over to pupils during a day of celebrations.

Pupils and staff at St Peter's Primary School, in Brotton, along with residents, have spent the past year raising £10,000 for the bus, with children's charity, the Variety Club of Great Britain, proviing the other £16,000.

Local pensioner Ivy Brown has raised an enormous amount of the cash, and even donated cash from the sale of her late husband's mobility buggy to the minibus fund.

Headteacher John Stinson said: "We felt it would be only right to ask Ivy to unveil the minibus during our annual summer celebrations.

"She cut the golden ribbon in front of parents, staff and pupils, who are delighted to own such a luxury."