Actress Patsy Palmer presented a school with a new mini-bus after The Argus Appeal raised £3,000 towards the cost.

The ex-EastEnders star visited Castledean School to hand over the keys for the £29,000 minibus on behalf of the Variety Club charity.

The school, in Lynchet Close, Brighton, had to raise £10,000. It was given £3,000 from The Argus Appeal and raised £7,000 itself through events such as a sponsored greyhound race night and a raffle.

Insurance company dd2 stumped up the rest of the cash.

Headteacher Sue Furdas said: "The contribution from The Argus Appeal was gratefully received.

We are delighted with our new bus because the old bus was very rusty.

"This new one is lovely and comfortable for the children and means we can go further afield."