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

Youngsters at St Peter's Primary, in Brotton, east Cleveland, can now head out on the open road and enjoy school outings.

Pupils, staff and local residents have spent the past 12 months raising £10,000 for the bus.

The children's charity, the Variety Club of Great Britain, was able to meet the remaining £16,000 cost of the bus.

Dedicated fundraiser, local pensioner Ivy Brown, has raised an enormous amount of the cash for the school and its cause.

She 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."

St Peter's Day at the school was a day of worship, followed by dancing and games.