STUDENTS?at Alton College will this year benefit from two new minibuses provided thanks to generous donations.

The college was able to buy one minibus after a donation of £30,000 from the Alton College Foundation and the Grace Atkinson Will Trust. The minibus will enable students to attend trips and sporting fixtures and was gratefully received by principal Sara Russell, Gideon Cristofoli of the Grace Atkinson Will Trust, Alton College Foundation managing director Trevor Heley, and a group of students.

Principal Sara said: “I’d like to express our sincere thanks to the Alton College Foundation and the Grace Atkinson Will Trust for the donation which has enabled us to us purchase a new minibus and enhance students experiences at Alton College.”

The college received a second minibus thanks to the Variety Club.

The new specially adapted Sunshine Coach minibus will be used every day to transport young people with disabilities to and from learning activities, such as independent living at Treloar College and horticultural lessons in parks and gardens with the town council.

Students will be able to travel to work experience placements more easily and take part in community education. It will also provide young people with an opportunity to travel with the rest of their class and participate actively in college trips and activities.

Deputy principal Paul Edwards added: “The new Variety Club minibus will make such a difference to these students. It will enable them to take part in many new and different activities over many years in the future. Thank you to the Variety Club for their generous donation.”