AN urgent appeal for help was this week issued by Okehampton College, which is concerned about the condition of the school?s minibus. Away matches for the sports teams at the college could soon be a thing of the past, unless a new set of wheels can be organised. And field trips, museum visits and touring dance groups may also soon be part of the college?s history. The college?s ageing minibus ? essential to all these activities ? is on its last legs. Alan King, business manager for the college, said: ?With the wind behind it, it might just last for 12 months.? As well as being essential to extra-curricular activities at the college, the minibus is also used by local primary schools, the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme, Devon youth service, OCRA, and various community groups. But the college receives no allowance for a minibus in its annual budget. The parent teachers? association recently held a silent auction to raise money for a replacement. Although the event was not well attended it raised £1,600. That, however, is a drop in the ocean, when compared to the £18,000 which a new minibus will cost. Further fund-raising events are also planned for the next six months ? including a sponsored walk which the students will complete in early September. The college is hoping, though, that local businesses and fund-raising groups might rise to the challenge of helping them to get their new minibus. Alan King said: ?We?re hoping that if there are local businesses out there that are planning events for charity, they might consider making a donation to our appeal. ?We really are in dire need at the moment.? For further information on the college?s minibus appeal please contact Alan at the college on 01837 650910.