Litcham Primary School unveils double-decker bus for pupils

A major refurbishment of a double-decker bus has seen it turned into a space for learning and play for pupils at Litcham Primary School.

Litcham Primary School children enjoying their new play bus (Image: Denise Bradley)

It is the brainchild of Mark Hagon, chairman of Friends of Litcham Primary School.

Inside the Litcham Primary School's new play bus (Image: Denise Bradley)

“I saw other buses at Norfolk schools, and saw what they had and thought it was a good idea,” he said.

“Children like going on the bus, they are something that inspires and captures the imagination.

Mark Hagon, left, chairman of the Friends of Litcham Primary School, and Adrian Thwaites, who were behind getting the bus for the school (Image: Denise Bradley)

"The bus did fight us at every corner. When you try to change it they aren't built to be developed.

"It was a difficult thing to build on, but it also provides a lot of space over its two levels, which has helped us to get so much in."

Logan, eight, ready to sit in the driver's seat of the Litcham Primary School's new play bus (Image: Denise Bradley)

The bus was supplied by Charles Sanders, who gave it to the school between Fakenham and Swaffham, at a “ridiculous cheap price", according to Mr Hagon.

It was paid for thanks to money raised by the friends, and a grant for sensory learning, which has seen investment totalling £8,500.

Litcham Primary School children enjoying their new play bus (Image: Denise Bradley)

The discounted price allowed the bus to truly be kitted out, with tinted windows, heating and air-con, a group learning space, an office, a sensory learning area, a place to build Lego and an enclosed garden.

“There is an immense sense of pride, this has been a huge project which has tested us,” Mr Hagon added.

Litcham Primary School children enjoying their new play bus (Image: Denise Bradley)

“The children now have something which will enhance their learning and education for as long as the school wants it.

“I have never done anything like this before, we have called in a lot of favours to turn this into a reality.”

Head prefects, Lucy and Teo, both aged 11, read on the Litcham Primary School's new play bus (Image: Denise Bradley)

Mr Hagon thanked the following people for dedicating time and skill by being very charitable for the bus project: Matt Moore, Adrian Thwaites, Tobie Seaton, Steve Wilcox, Stu Clarke, Graham Carter, James Savage, Paul and Mary Osbourne, Mark Singleton, Tim Abel, Corroless Eastern, Paul and Kaitlin Elliott

The conversion was completed by Mark Hagon, Adrian Thwaites, Andy Westmancoat, Tobie Seaton, and Les Parrett.

Litcham Primary School's new play bus (Image: Denise Bradley)