The Isle of Wight Council run facility Beaulieu House in Newport, which provides respite services for children, is being presented with a new minibus.

The Lord’s Taverners, a charity that helps young people, particularly those with social, environmental, physical or learning disadvantages, to enjoy sporting and leisure activities, are providing the minibus.

The vehicle will be officially presented at Beaulieu House, which is located within the grounds of Medina High School on Fairlee Road, at 11.00 on Thursday 21st August. Isle of Wight resident and TV celebrity Shaw Taylor will hand over the keys.

Part of the cost of the minibus, which will be painted in the Lord’s Taverners traditional green, has been met by a £9500 donation from the Friends of Beaulieu organisation, a registered charity that supports the facility.

The new minibus will be specially adapted to provide wheelchair access and will enable users of Beaulieu House to engage in outdoor activities and visit attractions.

Isle of Wight Council Leader Cllr David Pugh said:

“The new minibus will provide a vital service to users and staff to what is an important facility on the Island. It will create new experiences and opportunities for children and young people that until now they may not have had access to.

We should thank the Lord’s Taverners, Friends of Beaulieu and all the other organisations that have made this presentation of a minibus happen.”

Beaulieu House was officially opened in May 2004 by The Queen and is a purpose built facility. Core funding is provided by Isle of Wight Council and the Isle of Wight NHS Primary Care Trust while other donations are received through charitable activities.

More details can be found at www.lordstaverners.org