A COACH company has donated more than £3,000 to buy specialist toys for the Allsorts library which helps children with disabilities and additional needs learn and meet their developmental milestones.

Rover European Travel has spent a year raising money for the charity after one of the Nailsworth-based company’s employees suggested it for its charity of the year drive.

It has now handed over £3175 which will be put towards toys and equipment that parents can borrow from the toy library.

The Stroud-based library now has nearly 1,000 toys which encourage and help children with additional needs to do things such as speak, sign, roll over, or move their limbs.

Mum-of-two Tiffanie Smith from Thrupp says the library has made a big difference in helping her son Alfie, who has Down’s syndrome, progress.

Mrs Smith said: “Some toys and equipment can be horrifically expensive and we don’t always know if they are going to inspire Alfie but we can borrow something from the Allsorts toy library for just 50 pence a month.

“When Alfie has made good use of it we change it and know that toy will go on to inspire another child to learn and achieve.”

Rover European Travel raised the money from activities including collections on its coach trips and a ball.

David, Carole and Kristina Hand, who own and run the company, gave Allsorts a cheque during a visit to the toy library which is held at the Trinity Rooms, Stroud.

Mr Hand said: “We at Rover are thrilled to have been raising money for Allsorts this past year.

“We’d like to say thanks to all our passengers and friends who have supported our fundraising efforts and to everyone that came to our fundraising dinner dance in January.

“It is great to support a local charity and we hope the money will help with all the charity’s incredible projects and support for Allsorts members.”

Allsorts supports families across Gloucestershire who have children with disabilities and additional needs, and also organises youth clubs, family trips, and inclusive sports.