A SCHOOL for children with learning difficulties and disabilities can buy new equipment thanks to the fund raising efforts of a Bournemouth company.

Montacute School in Poole has received £15,000 following Jobshop UK's recent grand masquerade ball.

The specialist school, which has 82 pupils, was rebuilt in 2015 but there were no funds available for essential equipment.

Having chosen Montacute as its lifetime charity, Jobshop UK directors Frances Miles and Tracey Wood pledged to raise £11,340 for a two-seat swing - one wheelchair accessible and the other a full support seat, by hosting a ball with an auction and raffle at the Harbour Heights Hotel, Poole last month.

Frances Miles said: "We were totally overwhelmed by the generosity shown by our sponsors, business associates, clients, and friends, in helping us raise such a staggering amount.

"The night itself could never have been such a huge success without the enthusiasm everyone has shown to help us exceed our original target. Tracey and I are delighted by the amazing response and thank everyone who attended, donated and supported us.

"As a local employer, it is incredibly important to us to help raise awareness of local charities, and it is so encouraging to know that we, and Montacute School, have had so much support from the local business community."

Karon Nougher, fundraising coordinator at Montacute School, added: "Myself and everyone at Montacute School cannot thank Jobshop UK enough for everything they have done to help raise this money.

"The swing is going to make a huge difference to the children at the school, and we all feel incredibly moved at the generosity everyone has shown in donating and supporting the event.

"We are planning a coffee and cake morning for Jobshop and everyone who supported the ball to come to Montacute for the unveiling of the swing once it is installed to see for themselves how essential equipment like this is to children with special needs."