CHARITY fundraisers who cycled from 'Rome to Home' have given the Victoria Education Centre in Poole a huge boost.

Intrepid supporters of the Steve Bernard Foundation pedalled their way back to UK earlier this year raising thousands of pounds in the process.

Now the money has been donated to completely refurbish the school’s fitness facilities and provide new gym equipment especially adapted for the needs of the students.

Headteacher, Simon Brown, said: “We are delighted with the results as it is a significant improvement on the old gym.

"This fantastic facility will enable students of all disabilities to access the gym and gain benefit from using it.

"Our students are very excited and we are extremely grateful to everyone involved and the obvious hard work that took place to make this possible.”

The foundation was set up by family and friends of Steve Bernard in memory of the talented young sportsman who died in a car accident in November 2005.

Since February 2006 it has raised more than £280,000 for sporting projects based across the local area and as far afield as Africa, supporting more than 200 projects covering more than 30 sports and 4 continents.

The facilities were officially opened by Poole Mayor, Cllr Xena Dion.

She said: "This project is all about making things better for the future and I so pleased to be able to open it. This school is such as asset to our borough in its dedicated work for children and young people with disabilities.

“I have had the privilege of meeting some of the wonderful students here. There are constant challenges these children deal with on a day to day basis and yet I was greeted with smiles, enthusiasm and incredible positivity."

Members of Steve's family and a number of the cyclists who completed the Italian challenge were on hand to see celebrate the opening, along with staff and students.

Dad Tony, said: "We have a great relationship with the school. It's an amazing place and I hope the new equipment will make a massive difference to the students."

Too get involved in fundraising or make a donation to Victoria Education Centre, contact Sue Stratis on 01202 763697 or email vec@victoria.poole.sch.uk for further information.