Children with severe and complex learning difficulties will be able to take part in fun excursions after their school was awarded a new £27,000 coach.

Advisory stockbroker and wealth management firm, Killik & Co, donated the Variety Sunshine Coach to the 65 pupils of Mapledown School in Claremont Road, Cricklewood.

The coach has a tail-lift for wheelchair access and will be used to take the children on a variety of out of school activities aimed at improving their skills and confidence.

Mapledown headteacher Steve Carroll said: “Having our own coach allows the children not only to experience activities which were previously inaccessible, but also to develop their confidence in travel.

“Our sincere gratitude goes out to the staff at Killik & Co and Variety, the Children’s Charity, for the donation of this specialised vehicle, as it means a great deal to the teachers and children of Mapledown School.”

Throughout 2013, Killik & Co staff took part in various fundraising initiatives for Variety, the Children’s Charity, raising money for the Mapledown coach.

Jer O’Mahony, Killik & Co Partner, said: “The partners and staff at Killik & Co are delighted to support Variety, the Children’s Charity, not only because of the enormous good it does to help children born with incredible challenges achieve their dreams and aspirations, but because we can see the tangible benefit of each and every pound we’ve raised be put to good use in the purchase of a Sunshine Coach.”