Laburnum Boat Club has been gifted a brand new 17-seater minibus, thanks to a generous city firm.

The community boating project in Laburnum Street, Haggerston, gives nine- to 18-year-olds – many of whom have physical and learning disabilities – the chance to take part in water-based activities, like kayaking.

The club, which is open seven days a week, needs transport to travel around the country and abroad and the decade-old 15-seater vehicle it was using had become increasingly unreliable and too expensive to maintain.

Specialist risk consultancy, 4most Europe, funded the bus on behalf of Variety charity, which works to improve the lives of young people who are sick, disabled or disadvantaged.

Boat club coordinator Jim Armstrong said the new model was “bigger, better and more powerful!”

Mark Sisson, chief exec of 4most Europe added: “Both 4most’s founders are keen boaties and the fact that our bus will enable less privileged children to enjoy mucking around in the water is perfect.”