ULVERSTON schoolchildren won a national art competition and had their creative design printed onto a state-of-the-art minibus.

The design by pupils from Sandside Lodge School, which caters for children with special needs, was chosen as one of 12 regional winners in the competition organised by Burnt Tree Vehicle Hire to celebrate its 30th anniversary.

Headteacher Susan Gill said: “They have been looking forward to seeing the minibus and even more so to going on their own fantastic journey.

“It was an exciting and interesting competition to be involved with and we thank the Burnt Tree staff for choosing our entry.”

The minibus, right, is a 16-seat van conversion fully equipped with wheelchair lifts and adjustable seating for up to six wheelchairs.

Simon Cassidy, general manager of Burnt Tree’s accessible minibus division, said: “Our employees who were knocked out by the colour and sense of excitement it portrayed.”