YOUNGSTERS at Burton Hill House School in Malmesbury, have benefited from a cash boost.

The special needs school was given £3,500 from Swindon-based Nationwide and the money helped to refurbish one of the school's bathrooms.

Headteacher Phil Drake said: "There is always lots to be done and this money came somewhat out of the blue so we were delighted to have been able to continue our improvements at the school."

The money has helped to pay for an overhead hoist and changing table in the bathroom.

Mr Drake said: "We had already done the work so this money was ploughed back into our general school funds. The money came through Nationwide's community fund and it was certainly a very nice surprise for us."

Pupils are set to break up for the summer holidays next week but on their return to school in September many will be working on a new initiative, an opportunity link with Malmesbury School.

"It is Government policy to encourage as much contact as possible between children with disabilities and those in mainstream schools," Mr Drake said.

"Our pupils spent an afternoon at the secondary school and joined in the science lessons. Some Malmesbury School staff have also been up to see us this week to look at the work of our support staff."

From September, both schools will be looking to extend the benefits of the link further.