Superstar couple David and Victoria Beckham have stepped in to help a mid-Essex special needs school.

The world-famous pair personally approved Trudy Read's application for a grant from the Victoria and David Beckham Charitable Trust, to help develop a sensory garden at a school for children with neurological and physical disabilities.

Mrs Read, of St Giles' Crescent, Maldon, launched her fundraising efforts after seeing the small play area used by her eight-year-old son, Jake, who has profound learning disabilities, at Southview School, Witham.

So far, Mrs Read has raised £2,600 for the garden, but expects it to cost about £10,000.

Call Mrs Read on 01621 879626 or e-mail nicolatzortzi@tiscali.co.uk