A dream has come true for youngsters with physical and learning disabilities the latest in a long line of beneficiaries from the Swindon Marriott Rotary Ball.

Pupils at Uplands Special School have been presented with a specially-adapted minibus which was bought with the majority of the £33,675 proceeds from February's event.

Headteacher Mary Bishop was over the moon. "I am absolutely thrilled," she said. "It is great to take students in wheelchairs out to swimming lessons, riding for the disabled classes and residential visits. This a dream come true."

The bus has fold-away seats to create room for wheelchairs, and an easy-to-use lift to move disabled children into the vehicle.

Although the special school already has one minibus, it is not suitable for people in wheelchairs. The last adapted bus was scrapped a year ago because it was so old it cost too much to maintain.

Mike Bawden of Swindon Rotary Club said the committee knew it had made the right decision on where the funds from this year's ball should go.

"When we visited Uplands School it was quite an eye-opener to see the needs of the children who are less fortunate than most. It brought us down to earth and made us realise how lucky we were," he said.

The minibus cost £26,175, and the remaining £7,500 was given to Swindon Communication Project for computer equipment.

Swindon Marriott Rotary Ball has been running for 12 years and has raised £250,000 for various local causes including Swindon Women's Refuge, Prospect Foundation and Age Concern Swindon.

It is organised by the Rotary Club in conjunction with the hotel, Zurich Financial Services and other volunteers, and is usually attended by more than 200 business leaders, sporting personalities and local dignitaries.

Money raised on the night through ticket sales, raffle and draw, is matched pound for pound by Zurich Financial Services' staff charity fund.

Preparations for next February's ball are underway and the beneficiaries will be Swindon Hydrotherapy Pool and TWIGS, a charity for mentally-ill people which offers therapy through gardening.