Dennis Wise handed over the keys to The Village School in Grove Park

Footballer Dennis Wise visited a Kingsbury school to donate a brand new mini bus to the delighted pupils and staff.

The ex-Chelsea star posed for photos with the pupils at The Village School in Grove Park, before handing over the mini-bus keys to headteacher Kay Johnson during a special ceremony.

Mr Wise was joined by Steve Frankham, Chairman of the Frankham Consultancy Group - the designers and architects behind the state-of-the-art new building - who donated the mini bus through their community fundraising arm, Dennis Wise in the Community.

Cllr Mary Arnold, Brent Council lead member for children and families, who was also there to accept the generous new gift on behalf of the school, said: “I’d like to say a very big thank you to Frankhams and Dennis Wise in the Community for this wonderful new mini-bus.

“It’s been lovely being here today to witness the joy and excitement everyone has about receiving the bus and meeting Dennis Wise. I think the experience will stay with the children and staff for a long time.”

Mrs Johnson added: “We’re so thrilled to be given such a marvellous gift from Frankhams which will help our pupils and staff immeasurably for many years to come.”

The new school is due to be completed in summer 2013 and will be a centre of excellence for pupils with special educational needs.

The �29 million project will provide the best care and education possible for children aged two to 19 years with complex learning difficulties and disabilities.