Students at a Harrogate specialist college are to experience something brand new, thanks to a donation from Persimmon Homes Yorkshire.

Henshaws Specialist College received £500 from the Persimmon Homes Community Champions scheme to help fund a virtual reality headset.

The college, for young people aged 16 to 24 living with a disability, aims to empower students to progress, inspiring them to live the life they want.

Gemma Young, Fundraising Manager for Henshaws in Yorkshire, said: “Through education, we encourage our students to make their aspirations possible and goals a reality.

“A virtual reality headset will allow the students to try what would have been deemed as ‘out of reach’ experiences such as mountain climbing and seeing the view, swimming the channel or skateboarding. For those in a wheelchair such opportunities as these may feel completely unachievable, but Persimmon Homes’ donation is making this possible.”

The Persimmon Homes Community Champions initiative seeks to support grassroots groups, schools and charities in areas where the company is building. Persimmon Homes Yorkshire makes two donations of up to £1,000 every month.

Scott Waters, managing director of Persimmon Homes Yorkshire, said: “We are delighted to be helping young people experience new adventures. Our Community Champions scheme is about supporting the communities where we are building, and Henshaw Specialist College provide the opportunities to encourage and inspire our younger generation of homeowners.”

Visit www.persimmonhomes.com/charity to apply for Community Champions funding.