THREE new minibuses have opened up a world of opportunities for children on a Southamp-ton housing estate.

Kanes Hill, Hightown and Thornhill primary schools have each been awarded a 17-seater bus to take kids on outings from museum visits to field trips to the beach.

In the past the Thornhill youngsters have missed out on opportunities because of a lack of travelling facilities.

Thornhill Primary head teacher Jacqui Greethurst said some of the youngsters have never even visited the city centre because their parents do not have cars and public transport is so expensive.

Now the schools will be able to lead educational trips all over the county with the wheelchair-friendly buses which have been funded by the New Deal for Communities scheme.

Mrs Greethurst said: "It's a big event - we're all really excited. Now we can take children on trips to the seaside, the New Forest and the city centre itself."

Kanes Hill head teacher Sally Stanton said: "We're delighted to receive our minibus from the New Deal.

"This will mean the children will be able to take more opportunities that there are available such as sporting events and visits to museums and galleries."

Sue Bailey, head teacher of Hightown Primary, said: "It's a marvellous opportunity for the children to visit places that are normally closed to them due to the high cost of transport."

Ray Walley, New Deal partnership co-ordinator, said: "So many of the children get very little chance to get out of Thornhill and this will mean the world to them."

New Deal - which heads up a £48.7m project to breath new life into Thornhill - has awarded £112,800 for the purchase of the LDV buses.

For more information on the New Deal scheme contact the team on 0800 169 5561 or visit their Hinkler Parade shop.