Pupils at Rumworth School in Ladybridge, Bolton, are now the proud possessors of a brand new Variety Club Sunshine Coach presented to them by Coronation Street star Michael Starke aka kebab shop owner Jerry Morton. The well-loved actor, also famous for his roles as Sinbad in Brookside and Ken Hopkins in The Royal, handed over the keys to the new minibus thanks to the generosity of parcel delivery company Interlink Express. The parcel carrier has 100 depots nationwide – including their local depot on Lyntown Industrial Estate, Eccles – who have been fundraising to buy six new minibuses by the end of the year. The company matches £ for £ all fundraising carried out by drivers and depot staff. This is the 54th Sunshine Coach donated by Interlink Express and its sister company DPD making them one of the Variety Club’s largest corporate supporters for this cause.

Kevin Wilkinson, deputy head teacher at Rumworth School which caters for 145 children with moderate learning difficulties and complex needs says “We’re delighted to take delivery of this new minibus, which will enable our pupils to go on Duke of Edinburgh Award activity trips, work / life residentials and even an annual visit to France. Also being able to give students a wide range of opportunities to experience achievement in the wider community is essential to prepare our students for ‘life after school’.  We are grateful for the support of Interlink Express and the Variety Club for this fantastic vehicle, and to Michael Starke for coming along today to make the presentation so special for all our pupils.”