A PATCHWORK quilt is being raffled to raise money for a minibus for students at a special college for adults with learning difficulties.

Featuring 800 pieces of material, it has been made by ten members of the Chat and Craft Group at Leadgate Community Centre and took four months.

It is going to be raffled at the Real Choice College, in Consett, which is today relaunching itself as Learning For Life, providing care and education for people with complex needs once they leave special schools in the area.

Tickets costing 50p go on sale at a Christmas party at its premises on Werdohl Way this afternoon and the winner will be drawn at Easter.

The college already has £11,000 for the new bus and is hoping to raise £30,000.

Principal Marie Matthewson said: “It is wonderful that our charity has been given this quilt. We are very grateful.

“The minibus will allow our young people access to the community so they can be part of what is going on.

“It will be lovely for them to be able to access something different and be more involved.”