Baston Primary School pupils delighted by arrival of new library bus
A disused bus has been saved from the scrapheap and converted into a school library.
The vehicle was greeted with excited cheers from the pupils as it was delivered to the grounds of Baston Primary School this week.
It marked the end of eight months of fundraising and renovation work which was coordinated by the parents and teachers association.
Headteacher Rebecca Mills said: "We wanted to get the children sparked up about reading and knew our existing library wouldn't do that.
"A love of reading will be waiting for them on this bus and we hope it will hook them in."
The PTA secured the disused vehicle from Stagecoach which had to be delivered from the company's headquarters in Hull.
It has been stored at a farm in the village while the fundraising and maintenance work was carried out.
The PTA raised £9,000 towards the £39,000 project.
The rest of the money came from Baston Parish Council, South Kesteven District Council, local businesses, Tesco, Warburtons and Larkfleet.
Parents and businesses have also offered their time for free to take out the engine, replace the floor, furnish the interior and decorate the exterior.
The woodland theme was chosen to fit in with the forest school area which sits alongside the site of the new library.
The PTA's vice chairman Gemma Wright said: "We have been really fortunate to get so much support from the community."
The excitement reached fever pitch on Wednesday lunch time as the children waited for the bus to arrive.
After negotiating the tricky bends to get onto the school grounds, the bus was parked up for the children to look insise.
Jake Carruthers, 10, said: "It will be really good for the school because the library we have now is really small.
"The bus will be a good place to learn and to read books."
Classmate Noah Bush, 10, added: "Not many people go to the library at the minute. I think it will encourage more people to read and we'll get smarter because reading makes you clever."
The school has received 840 books to stock the library.
Teachers will be able to use the space for lessons or small group work. It may also be opened up for community use.
Supporters of the project have been invited to a thank you reception at the school.
A public grand opening will take place on Saturday, July 6 between midday and 3pm.
Everyone is invited to have a look at the new facility and enjoy a barbecue and games. There will also be a raffle, tombola and stalls.
