Billericay MP John Baron made a splash when he opened a new hoist for helping pupils into the swimming pool at Wickford's Castledon School, for children with learning difficulties.
Mr Baron is pictured demonstrating the hoist with the help of pool manager Michelle Sloman.
The money for the hoist was raised by the Wickford branches of Abbey National and McDonald's.
Mr Baron thanked them and added: "Congratulations should also go to Castledon School for the good work it does for its children and for bringing the local community together in projects such as this."
Essex world swimming champion James Gibson had also hoped to be at the unveiling of the hoist, but couldn't because he is in training for the world championships and Olympic games.
The chairman of the school's governors, Brian Lynch, said: "It is very important in these days that the business sector helps local education as much as it can, and that is especially so in the case of schools where the students are those with moderate learning difficulties."
Published Tuesday January 20, 2004
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article