THE community has rallied round to raise money for a special school's imaginative conversion of a derelict bus.

Edith Borthwick School, in Springwood Drive Industrial Estate, began fundraising in January, asking parents, businesses and the general public to help pay for renovation work to turn an old First Bus, that had been donated to the school, into a sensory play bus for students.

The school needs to raise £20,000 to complete the transformation and has agreed to provide up to £10,000 to match any donations.

Maycast Nokes, a business based on Factory Lane West, Halstead, raised more than £2,000 with a charity football match against Gosfield firm Transporter.

Maggie Wallings, from Maycast Nokes, said: "We wanted to support a local charity and couldn't think of a much better cause.

"We raised £2,180 including a massive raffle. A lot of our suppliers donated prizes and we had donation buckets as well.

"It was absolutely brilliant and so well supported."

Phil Smith coached the Maycast Nokes team to a 4-0 victory.  The players donated money to the cause for the privilege of representing their company.

Special thanks was also given to staff members Jorgee Adams and Louise Underdown with the running of the event.

Halstead Town Football Club, where the match took place, also agreed to donate the proceeds from the BBQ, part of the profits from the bar and did not charge for the use of the facilities.

Braintree and Uttlesford District Special needs play scheme (Buds) gave the charity's remaining funds before its closure, totalling £1,376.

Dan Woodman, headteacher at Edith Borthwick School, said: "We are hugely appreciative of the fundraising efforts of Maycast Nokes and Transporter, as well as the amazing donation from Buds.

"The funds raised have ensured we are within touching distance of our goal.

"Our learners are so excited to see the new sensory bus and have been making suggestions as to what equipment should be on it."

"We look forward to hosting the opening on the facility and will ensure all those who have fund raised are invited as VIPs."

Donate at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/edithborthwick-school.