Pictured above: Simon Telfer (White shirt and tie seated) presents a cheque to some of the children at Strut

Branston Ltd has donated £3000 to local charity KIDS/Strut to help improve the quality of life for Lincolnshire's disabled children and their families.

The UK's leading potato supplier has donated the money to help towards the purchase of a brand new mini bus that will enable more than 160 of the county's 8-19 year olds to enjoy quality care and support at after school clubs, youth clubs, play days and short breaks.

The independently-run charity mentors children and young people with disabilities and special needs, helping them to gain independence, social skills and self-confidence through various children lead activities and supervised day trips.

Eleanor Turney, office manager at KIDS/Strut, says: "We have been getting by with two second-hand mini buses, one of which is now really old, so being in the position to buy a brand new one with much improved disabled access is an absolute delight!

"Some of our children have never even been out of Lincoln before and the new bus will enable us to continue providing interesting and exciting day trips to places such as York Dungeons and Sherwood Forest - or even a day on the beach at Skegness."

KIDS/Strut gives the families of disabled children and young people more hours of support than many similar Lincolnshire charities. Its after school clubs run every single day of the school term and, during the summer of 2010, the organisation provided 26 play days over the school holiday period.

Branston's Simon Telfer said: "We are delighted to be able to help.  Strut helps children who can often find it a challenge to interact socially to blossom into independent, self confident young people. The activities and trips also provide a much needed break for their parents and families who may be struggling to cope in difficult circumstances."

Eleanor added:  "We're very grateful to Branston for the donation which will really help to give our children and young people the chance to enjoy activities and experiences they have never been able to participate in before. With so many other worthy charities vying for support, we are always thrilled to receive donations, however large or small." 

Branston's donation and those of other supporters has been matched by Lord Taverners mini bus fund to enable the purchase of the brand new 'Sunshine Coach'.