A SPECIAL school has been awarded £20,000 as part of Persimmon Homes’ Building Futures campaign.

Wargrave House in Newton-le-Willows, represented Persimmon Homes North West in the education and arts category as one of 96 finalists in the housebuilder’s £1million giveaway to good causes working with young people aged under 18.

From February to May, Building Futures donated £128,000 to regional organisations supporting young people in sport, education and arts and health throughout England, Scotland and Wales.

The competition culminated in a gala dinner at York Racecourse, where three finalists were each awarded the top prize of £100,000, three the second prize of £50,000 and three the third prize of £20,000.

The remaining 87 finalists were handed £5,000 each.

Robin Bush from Wargrave House said: “This is a huge boost and we could not be happier.

“We have a number of staff qualified to deliver rebound therapy sessions, but only a stand-alone collapsible trampoline. £20,000 will enable us to install a sunken-trampoline in our gym floor which can be readied for use simply by removing a cover which when in place, doubles as part of the gym floor.

“Taking part in Building Future has been a fantastic experience for us and it was so exciting to reach the finals, never mind winning a huge sum like this.

“It was a very emotional evening with such a broad range of groups being represented and we can’t thank Persimmon Homes enough.”

Rebound Therapy is a form of therapy carried out on a trampoline and proven to have huge benefits to autistic children, improving their balance, co-ordination, listening skills, physical and mental health.

Karl Wiseman, regional managing director for Persimmon Homes North West, added: “The Building Futures scheme has been a great success and we had a brilliant evening at York Racecourse celebrating the fantastic work of so many organisations supporting young people in our communities.

“We have been overwhelmed by both the response to the competition, and the hard work and dedication of those involved within all the groups.”

The first, second and third prize winners were decided by a public vote and more than 225,000 votes were cast.