John Kyrle High School students are to benefit from the provision of seven new minibuses which will help them travel to get training in specialist subjects, thanks to Herefordshire Council's share of government funding.

To take part in the new young apprenticeship programmes and diplomas, 14 to 19-year-old students need to be able to travel from their base school for training in specialist subjects at other educational establishments. The courses include business, administration and finance, construction, engineering, hospitality, social care, creative, and media.

Following a successful proposal, the council secured £1 million in government funding. Schools were asked how they wanted this money to be spent and as a result, more than £200,000 was used to buy seven 17-seater mini buses, which have been converted for use by disabled people and wheelchair users. The rest of the money will go towards equipment, ICT and building works.

Herefordshire Councillor for Llangarron, Jenny Hyde, who is the cabinet member for children's services, said: "This really boosts the opportunity for young people in our schools, and because we face significant transport problems in getting students around our large county, the minibuses are going to be a great help. This was a wise choice made by the county's schools."

• John Kyrle Deputy Head (left) and Headteacher Nigel Griffiths (third from right at the back) and pupils at John Kyrle High School pictured above with some of the new minibuses.