PETTY Pool celebrated its past and toasted its future at a special event attended by HM Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, David Briggs.

Based in Sandiway, Petty Pool is a charity set up in 1981, with operational activities divided between the vocational college, which provides education and training for young people with learning disabilities, and an outdoor centre, providing personal development through adventurous activities.

Visitors to last week's event were told of the organisation's aims to increase its capacity and they were treated to afternoon tea, that was prepared and served by the students of Petty Pool.

David Briggs, Lord Lieutenant, said: "I was delighted to be at Petty Pool again to see the amazing work that they do.

"Demand for places far exceeds the places available and they now need more funds to enable them to build three new classrooms which will enable them to take more students, to help them to achieve and to get real jobs.

"This truly is a charity which changes people’s lives."

Jayne Wilson, chief executive, added: “We already have £450,000 allocated to our campaign, thanks to a legacy left by one of our past students Mark 'Snowy' Griffiths.

“We now need help in securing the remaining £250,000 for our project."