FOR the second time in four years, a charity has provided a Wrexham special needs school with a vital set of new wheels.

The Lady Taverners, part of the Lord’s Taverners, the official charity of recreational cricket, raises cash to donate one minibus every 10 days to organisations working with the disabled.

Four years ago it presented St Christopher’s School with a vehicle to take pupils on essential journeys and fun days out.

And on Friday it handed over the keys of a second minibus to back up the first.

The green 16-seater is wheelchair accessible and cost £48,000.

There to hand it over were TV presenter and comedian Nick Hancock, the newly-elected president of The Lord’s Taverners North West region, and Wrexham-born actor and TV presenter Tim Vincent.

Wales football manager Gary Speed was also due to attend but was called away on FA of Wales duties at the last minute.

St Christopher’s, in Stockwell Grove, supports 240 youngsters aged four to 19 with a range of profound physical and learning difficulties.

The school focuses on teaching social independence as well as providing a wide programme of educational opportunities.

After making the presentation of the minibus, Chris Talbot, of the Lady Taverners Cheshire and North Wales region, said: “Being able to do this kind of thing means a lot to the Lady Taverners.

“It is nice to know we have handed over two minibuses to this school in four years.”

Nick Hancock, who presented the first vehicle to St Christopher’s in 2007, said: “It is always a pleasure to to come here because we are made so welcome by all the staff, children and volunteers.

“Meeting them makes you feel so humble. It’s a very vibrant and nice place.”

St Christopher’s headteacher Maxine Pittaway said: “The children really do appreciate the gift of the minibus.

“It will really help us to to get out and about in the local community.

“It will be used for taking pupils out on work experience, college visits, swimming sessions and work in connection with our 14-19s curriculum.”

After the presentation, guests enjoyed a display of street dance by the school’s younger pupils.