Friends Provident, one of the Island's leading financial services companies, has pledged ?500 to help St Mary’s Road School pay for a new 15-seater minibus.

The school's current model has performed sterling service over the years but now needs upgrading.

The aim is to have the new vehicle in place for the start of the 2009-10 academic year in September. St Mary’s Road school has come to rely on its minibus to transport pupils to places of interest around the Island such as Castle Rushen and the Laxey Wheel.

It is also used regularly to take the school’s various sports teams to away fixtures.

'It’s so important to have a reliable minibus at the ready for the range of educational and extra curriculur activities the school undertakes,' said Mr Blair. 'Our current vehicle is rather old and past its best, so we are very grateful to Friends Provident International for the support they have provided in our new minibus Appeal.'

Mr Hall said that FPI was keen to support worthy school and community-based projects. 'We consider this part of our corporate responsibility. The school minibus means that St Mary’s will be able to provide a wider range of activities and experiences for their pupils and we’re delighted we’ve been able to play a part in making this happen.'

Pictured:  Pupils from St Mary’s Mixed and Infants School with Headmaster Brian Blair and (far right) Friends Provident International General Manager Jonathan Hall.