Disabled students at Portland College will get a new minibus after the outgoing chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council handed over more than £4,300 raised during her year in office towards an appeal for the vehicle.

The money was raised through a variety of events, including the annual Christmas Treecycle campaign through the council’s waste contractor, Veolia, raffles, donations, a foot golf tournament, auction and collections.

Coun Yvonne Woodhead, who chose the college as her adopted charity for the year, said: “I am extremely proud to have helped raise this money during my year in office and am grateful to every single person who contributed their time, effort and money for such a fabulous cause.

“The minibus will make a world of difference to the quality of life for hundreds of students. I’m thrilled.”

The specialists college, near Mansfield, works with people with disabilities to develop their employability, independence and communication skills.

The adapted minibus will open up more opportunities, including learners being able to go on more leisure and educational visits, attend off-site training, work experience placements and getting to medical appointments more easily and comfortably.

The charity cheque presentation was the culmination of an eventful year for Coun Woodhead, who handed over the chains of office to John Handley.

She will, however, continue to work for Portland College as Coun Woodhead, of Blidworth, has joined the college’s board, which she will combine with her work as a county councillor and as vice-chairman of Blidworth Parish Council.

She added: “My year as chairman of the county council has been so many things — exciting, humbling, eventful and enlightening — made special by all the people I have met. I am grateful to everyone who has supported me over the past 12 months.”

Coun Yvonne Woodhead (centre) is pictured presenting the charity cheque from her year in office to Mark Dale and Tracey Horton, of Portland College.