GENEROUS pupils at Bolton secondary school raised £700 to buy a specially adapted tricycle for a teenage girl with disabilities.

Chelsea West, aged 16, is disabled by a rare undiagnosed condition that gives her tremors and seizures and leaves her unable to talk.

But now that pupils from Harper Green Secondary School have donated a specially adapted tricycle, her mum Karen hopes she will now have some independence. Mrs West, of Seaford Road, Harwood, said: "I have always wanted her to have a bike because she is getting as big as me now so I cant carry her. It will also be good for building up her leg muscles."

She hopes that when Chelsea gets used to her gift it will give her a lot of fun times and more freedom.

Mrs West, aged 40, said: "I am going to send a thank you card to the kids at Harper Green because it would not have been possible without them."

Chelsea, who goes to Firwood School for children with learning difficulties, only learned to walk when she was seven.

She is still learning how to ride the tricycle and building up her confidence.

Pupils held a series of fund raising events before presenting a cheque for £700 to the charity Children Today on Friday.

Chester based Children Today works at a local level to provide grants for vital equipment for children and young people with sickness or disabilities.

Grants can go towards individually adapted wheelchairs, walking aids, trikes, specially designed educational toys and communication aids.

The charity totally relies on voluntary donations.

Liz Oakes, from Children Today, said: "Without the help of people like the pupils and staff at Harper Green we could not provide equipment for children and young people like Chelsea.

"I am so grateful for their support and cannot thank them enough.

"It is especially rewarding that young people are so willing to work hard to assist other young people with disabilities."

To find out more about Children Today or to make a donation call 01244 335622. Alternatively log on to www.children-today.org.uk.