F1 team's £37,500 pre-school gift

[Wizzo]

A pre-school is a step closer to constructing a new building thanks to support of a county-based Formula One team.

Stepping Stones Pre-School in Brackley received a donation of £37,500 from the Honda Racing F1 Team.

The school will put the money, which was raised during a charity open day at the racing team's Brackley base, towards building a new two-classroom pre-school, which will offer better facilities and extended care.

The school, which has secured land next to Bracken Leas Primary School, plans to use the new building to offer a greater range of childcare for two to 11-year-olds.

Staff intend to provide a pick and mix style of childcare from early morning until early evening, offering pre-school and playgroup sessions and breakfast, lunch-time, after-school and holiday clubs.

Caroline Rushton, chair of the pre-school's committee, said the F1 team had given the school a big boost. She said: "Honda have been fantastic. Their support for Stepping Stones has allowed us to have this new building. Realistically we would not have been in this position if it had not been for Honda."

The F1 team, also based in Brackley, raised £75,000 by holding a charity open day where fans could meet driver Jenson Button and Murray Walker, who is an ambassador for the team.

The proceeds were split between the pre-school and an Oxford hospice.

[Alianora La Canta]

This is wonderful. It's great to see Honda giving things back to the community in which it is based. Well done to them, and hope the pre-school and hospice get good benefit from the money.

[Steven Roy]

Well done Nick Fry and Honda. 

This will divert people's attention away from any unfortunate meetings with messrs Coughlan and Stepney.