PUPILS at a primary school have launched an ambitious bid to modify their minibus so a classmate with cerebral palsy can take part in trips.

Barrow Island Primary School Year 1 pupil Bobby Shaw is unable to travel with his classmates because his cerebral palsy means he has to use a wheelchair.

The school has a policy of only allowing children to go on trips if all pupils are able to attend; whether that might be because of financial or physical constraints.

Bobby's classmates decided they wanted to get their Rumic Foundation-donated minibus adapted so his wheelchair could be placed onto the coach.

The modification will cost around £4,000 and so the entire school decided they would raise the money to pay for the work.

Six-year-old Benjamin Kyle started doing chores at home to raise money and then decided to shave his hair off.

Mum Kelly Heddles said: "On the way to school one day he said 'mum I need a haircut, if you put it on your Facebook and raise £50 I'll shave all my hair off'."

Benjamin duly stuck to his side of the bargain and so far has single-handedly raised £700.

The rest of the school has been involved with cake sales and raffles adding up to a current total of £2,200.

Headteacher Janet Dixon said she couldn't be prouder of her pupils.

"We try to get our pupils out on trips as much as possible to enhance their life experiences," she said.

"I'm dead proud of them; Barrow is such a special place."

As part of their fundraising efforts Bobby's fellow pupils have even sent letters to some of the UK's richest people asking for help in reaching their £4,000 target.

At Hindpool Tigers family fun day on June 29 proceeds will go to the campaign with a raffle on the day including prizes such as a £500 voucher to spend at the Townhouse or the Dunes and a £100 voucher for the Duke of Edinburgh.

Anyone who would like to make a donation towards the minibus modification can contact the school on 01229 820302 or visit the reception in Trinity Street.