A COACH firm based near Worcester has stepped in to help a charity for children with special needs, as part of its 70th anniversary celebrations.

Dudley's Coaches, based in Radford, near Inkberrow, has decided to support the Worcestershire Pre-school Learning Alliance VIP Scheme this year.

The alliance, which offers guidance to parents and a network of volunteers, helping children with disabilities or illnesses to attend pre-school settings and day nurseries, is facing closure after the Big Lottery withdrew its funding earlier this month.

It has so far received around £15,000 in donations enabling the office in Bromsgrove to remain open until the end of March. However, the alliance is still seeking further funds to continue its work throughout the county and said it was grateful for the latest offer from Dudley's. Spokesman Linda O'Rourke said: "It is wonderful that Dudley's has agreed to raise money for us. We are grateful for any donations we receive."

Dudley's Coaches is celebrating 70 years in business this month.

Chris Dudley, managing director, said: "In recognition of our 70th anniversary, Dudley's Coaches has decided to support a local charity throughout 2008 and has chosen the Worcestershire Pre-School Learning Alliance VIP Scheme.

"There are a variety of fundraising initiatives planned and all proceeds will go towards helping the scheme, following its recent failure to secure future funding from the Big Lottery."

Dudley's Coaches was set up by Mr Ernie Dudley, in 1938.

Originally a retail garage, repairing motor vehicles and farm machinery, the company moved into passenger transport in the mid-1950s.

Dudley's is well known in Worcester, transporting children to and from a number of schools and colleges, as well as having pick-up points across the city for its popular day trips. The company also operates the daily 350 bus service from Worcester to Redditch.

Chris Dudley, joined the family business in 1968 when he left school.

Working alongside his father, he helped to grow the business and today the company has a fleet of 17 coaches and employs 24 staff.

To mark its 70th anniversary, Dudley's Coaches has also produced a bumper 2008 brochure packed with a wide variety of daybreak trips and excursions.

For further information about Dudley's daybreaks or the company's anniversary year, contact Dudley's Coaches on 01386 792206, visit www.dudleys-coaches. co.uk or e-mail info@dudleys -coaches. co.uk