Early gift leaves Angmering students overjoyed

Young people at the Angmering School’s Lavinia Norfolk Centre were delighted by the early present of £1,050, presented by publican James Crossley, of The Windmill Inn, in Mill Lane, Rustington, on Thursday (December 20).

The cash windfall had come from a three-day charity event held at the pub, earlier this year.

James, who has been with the pub for more than four years, presented the cheque to the centre with his daughter Becky.

Speaking to the Gazette, on Friday, James admitted that young people with special needs was a topic very close to his heart.

“My son had special needs and went to St Cuthmans School, in Chichester, which did him the power of good,” he said.

“He is now 32 but it really supported him and helped prepare him to be integrated into the working world.

“This was my first time at the Lavinia Norfolk Centre and I was really impressed by the dedication and commitment by all the staff there.

“Seeing as they are a local charity, it seemed like the right thing to do. I know its easy for a lot of smaller good causes to get left behind and forgotten.”

The money will now be used to help support the disabled children and young people who use the centre.

Mark Andrews, head of the Lavinia Norfolk Centre, expressed his gratitude at the festive generosity bestowed upon the school.

He said: “We are delighted to accept this donation from James. The money will be used for extra curricular activities for the students.

James added that he regularly supports other good causes, such as Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice, in Poling, and St Barnabas House hospice, in Worthing.

He is currently offering roasted chestnuts for a small donation to Chestnut Tree House.

“Rustington is a very giving place and has a lot of terrifically generous people in it,” James said.

“I’m just glad to be doing my bit to help some really worthy causes.”