STAFF at a charity Stick 'n' Step helping children with cerebral palsy have thanked Vauxhall for the loan of a car used to help raise funds.

An Astra had been loaned to Wallasey-based Stick'n'Step from the car manufacturer's Grace and Favour scheme for a whole year.

During that time the vehicle was taken to a range of fundraising events including golf days, endurance challenges and sponsored walks.

It has also transported staff around the region, clocking up more than 10,000 miles and saving the charity close to £5,000.

Stick'n'Step's operations manager Sarah Smithson said: "The car has been immeasurably useful to us.

"Not just in terms of saving us money and providing transport, but also, branded with our charity logo, for the way it has raised our profile and increased awareness of our work at events and locations across the North West.

"We are very grateful to have had the use of it.”

Stick 'n' Step offers support services to children with cerebral palsy and their families.

It provides children with totally free of charge conductive education sessions, allowing them to gain the skills they need to live independent lives.

Up to 90 children, from across the region, attend sessions weekly or twice weekly at the charity’s two centres in Wallasey and Runcorn.

Children and young people are motivated by working alongside their peers in a positive environment and are empowered to achieve realistic goals that are specific and relevant to them.