The timing was perfect! On the day the Alton Convent School PTFA held its AGM in conjunction with the Macmillan Coffee Morning, chairman Mrs Sheila Mansell was able to hand over to headmistress Mrs Sue Kirkham the keys of a new school minibus, which was delivered that morning.

The 17-seater state-of-the-art minibus was the PTFA's gift to the school after a year's concerted fund raising, which included a Christmas bazaar, quiz night, summer ball and summer fete and numerous other activities. Mrs Mansell paid tribute to the hard work of her committee members and said: 'I am delighted we were able to achieve our target and pay for the minibus. The support from parents and friends for our activities has been outstanding.'

In thanking the PTFA Mrs Kirkham said: 'I didn't think so much would be raised in just one year and it's a tribute to everyone for their hard work. A new minibus is just what the school needed.'

Mrs Mansell also thanked PTFA committee member Shirley Hendry who was able to arrange a special price for the vehicle through her relative, Michael Anderson at Ness Motors in Inverness.