Nottinghamshire County Council’s chairman, Coun Yvonne Woodhead has chosen specialist, independent college, Portland College as her charity of the year.

Each chairman chooses a local charity each year to raise money and awareness within the local area. Mansfield-based, Portland College has supported and educated young adults aged 16 plus with physical and learning disabilities for 65 years. As a registered charity, it heavily relies on fundraising activities to not only supports the infrastructure of the College, but makes a real difference to the everyday lives and prospects of hundreds of disabled people every year.

Coun Woodhead is aiming to raise £5,000 towards the cost of a new £52,000 modified mini bus for the college. She has created a Just Giving page where people can make donations: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/NCCChairmansCharity

Coun Woodhead said: “Portland College is known locally, regionally and nationally for the amazing work it does with young people and putting the ability into disability. It is a fantastic asset for Nottinghamshire and for Nottinghamshire residents, so it gives me great pride to select it as my chosen charity for the year.

“As well as helping to raise the profile of Portland College at every opportunity, I will be hosting and taking part in a wide range of fundraising events to raise money towards the purchase of a new adapted minibus for use by learners.

“We are very lucky to have such a great facility on our doorstep. I really hope local people will get behind my fundraising campaign by attending events, making donations or running events of their own. For many years, Portland College has been making a huge difference to the lives of its learners with a wide range of disabilities and their families – I hope I can play some part in helping it continue its brilliant work in the years to come.”

Portland College Principal, Mark Dale, said “We are both honoured and thrilled that Councillor Woodhead has chosen to support us this year. She is an incredibly pro-active Councillor working for the good of the people of Nottinghamshire and has worked hard over many years to make sure local people with learning disabilities have a say in the way local services are run.

“We are working with her to deliver what should be some very enjoyable events and have an ambitious plan to raise money for a new minibus.”

For more information on how you can help Coun Woodhead’s fundraising efforts, visit http://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/chairmanscharity or contact Portland College’s fundraising department directly on 01623 499111, or www.portland.ac.uk