East Midlands-based commercial vehicle group Sherwood Truck & Van Ltd is helping to give disadvantaged youngsters a break by backing a unique project that uses snooker as a way of mentoring.

The company is sponsoring a converted bus run by the Stephen Harrison Academy in Sheffield - a not-for-profit social enterprise that uses Learning & Exercise Through Snooker (LETS) to enable disadvantaged groups and individuals to take part in sport and improve their quality of life.

The modified bus - which contains a snooker table and other games equipment - tours communities offering activity sessions, careers advice, and providing other useful information.

Sherwood Truck & Van, based at Blackwell, near Alfreton, Derbyshire, and with operations also in Lenton, Nottingham, Highfield Lane, Sheffield, and Etruria, Stoke-on-Trent, is sponsoring the bus by providing free maintenance, servicing and storage.

"We are very pleased to support the bus used by the Stephen Harrison Academy as part of our commitment to local worthwhile causes," said Sherwood Truck & Van managing director Helen Waterfall.  "The bus is a unique facility that provides opportunities for young people, and we wish the project a successful future as it goes out on the road."

The Stephen Harrison Academy (SHA) is a social enterprise aimed at providing mentoring programmes for people with learning difficulties, mental health difficulties, physical difficulties and disadvantaged children.

Run by professional snooker player Stephen Harrison, it is based at the Innovation Centre, Sheffield, and works in conjunction with groups such as the police and local authorities.

The Leyland Lynx single decker was converted earlier this year and has recently begun touring areas of the city and south Yorkshire, with plans to venture further afield.

"We are very grateful for the help that Sherwood Truck & Van has given us during these hard times. The support is fantastic and very much appreciated by us, and I'm sure by the young people who use our services," said Stephen Harrison.

Sherwood Truck & Van is a leading supplier of new and used commercial vehicles, established in 1978. The company also maintains, services and repairs commercial vehicles across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, South Yorkshire, Staffordshire and most of Cheshire.

It is now best known as a dealership for Iveco trucks and vans - the second largest manufacturer of commercial vehicles in Europe. The firm is also an Isuzu Truck dealer at Sheffield - providing vehicle sales, parts sales and vehicle repairs and servicing.

Sherwood prides itself on its service pedigree with a stock holding of more than 15,000 lines, a fully equipped accident repair centre and 24-hour roadside support.