STUDENTS have raised thousands of pounds for a school minibus by trekking across Suffolk.

STUDENTS have raised thousands of pounds for a school minibus by trekking across Suffolk.

First year National Diploma Public Services students from the West Suffolk College in Bury St Edmunds walked 32-miles to Heathside Special School in Ipswich where they were welcomed by the mayor of Ipswich, David Hale.

Wednesday's walk saw the dedicated ramblers leave the college at about 8.30am and end up at the Heath Road school at about 4pm.

The students have undertaken a community project every year for the past few years, aimed at helping individuals or organisations in Suffolk.

This year, 40 students organised a sponsored walk to raise money for a new school minibus for Heathside at a cost of around �40,000.

The school, which caters for youngsters with special educational needs, already has a minibus, but headteacher Odran Doran said it was old and in need of repair.

The new bus will be used to take pupils out on trips such as visits to shops, parks, the town centre and seaside.

Have you raised money for a good cause? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.