Former pupils and staff of St. Mary’s College in Crosby are the driving force behind a major new initiative to raise funds to replace the school minibuses.

Friends of St. Mary’s - the organisation for people at home and abroad with a connection to the college - has pledged to use the proceeds from a number of forthcoming events to help pay for two new vehicles.

Friends Chair, Tony Bradshaw, explained: “Our main role is to help members meet up with their former St. Mary’s friends and colleagues, and to act as a focus for their links with the college.

“At the same time, however, we try to support current pupils and staff in any way we can. I am sure that members will really get behind this campaign to raise funds for new minibuses which are a key resource for the school.”

The buses are used daily to transport pupils to a wide range of activities including sports fixtures, music performances, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award trips and educational visits.

They benefit children in all three departments at St. Mary’s - the senior school, The Mount prep school and the Bright Sparks Nursery.

College Principal, Mike Kennedy, commented: “St. Mary’s is renowned for its very wide range of extra-curricular activities, many of which would not be possible without the minibuses.

“That why we’re delighted that the Friends are helping to raise funds for our new vehicles - we wish them every success with their events this year.”

The Friends committee has already set the fundraising ball rolling by donating £1,700, which was raised at the organisation’s recent annual dinner, to the appeal.

The next event will be an 80s Disco at St. Mary’s College on Friday 11th March. Tickets are priced at £7.50. For more information please call

0151 924 3926 or visit www.friendsofstmarys.com

On the buses - Principal Mike Kennedy and some of the many groups of pupils who use the St. Mary’s vehicles help to launch the new appeal.

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