THE West Kent branch of The Lord's Taverners has raised a record £120,000 in the past year to help give youngsters, especially those with special needs, a sporting chance.

At its Christmas lunch at The Spa Hotel, Tunbridge Wells, it set the seal on its success by presenting a new Lord's Taverners mini-bus worth £32,000 to Valence School, Westerham.

The keys to the bus were handed to the school's headteacher, Roland Gooding, by branch chairman Harry Collins, who was hosting his final event before being succeeded by Freddie Cook.

Mr Collins said: "These mini-buses make a huge difference. Thanks to the generosity of local businesses, the pupils now have the opportunity to get out and enjoy the many places to visit in the local area."

The Christmas lunch alone raised £30,000, thanks to the participation of branch president Alan Curbishley, the manager of Charlton Athletic FC, and former England cricketers Derek Underwood, Chris Cowdrey and Graeme "Foxy" Fowler.

Half the total came from an auction, conducted by Clive Emson, and lots included a rugby jersey signed by England's veteran prop, Jason Leonard (£1,800) and a signed photograph of the team's fly half and World Cup hero, Jonny Wilkinson. (£1,750).

During 2003, money raised by the branch has gone towards the following projects:

* rebuilding an adventure playground at Broomhill Bank School, Tunbridge Wells

* providing specialist swimming equipment at Valence School, Westerham

* a sports day for 200 pupils from special schools throughout Kent, thanks to Ridge View School, Tonbridge.

Support for the branch's fund-raising programme has come from various local business partners, including: Pritchard Stockbrokers, Amba Carpet Services, Amilcroft Insurance Management, Clarkson Wright and Jakes Solicitors, Creaseys Chartered Accountants, GLN Developments, Margolis and Millwood Designer Homes.