CORONATION Street star Michael Starke brought a smile to children’s faces as they celebrated their school getting a new minibus.

Rumworth School in Ladybridge, Bolton, bought the £35,000 vehicle to allow staff to take pupils on educational activity trips, including a yearly visit to France.

The actor, who has also appeared in Brookside, plays kebab shop owner Jerry Morton in the top soap. He will be making his final appearance in the Street next week.

Michael teased the children as they posed for photographs with their new bus.

He said he was delighted to help with such a worthwhile cause.

He joked: “I’m so chuffed to be a part of it because I get to drive it as well, as long as the kids don’t mind.

“The more we raise, the more fun we have, and I get to have a lovely day like today. Keep up the good work.”

The Variety Club Sunshine Coach replaces the school’s old minibus, which deputy headteacher Kevin Wilkinson described as “past its day”.

The new bus has more seats, more space and a wheelchair lift.

It was bought with the help of parcel delivery company Interlink Express, which donated about 60 percent of the cost.

Mr Wilkinson said: “It’s absolutely fantastic news to have this wonderful minibus.

“This means we now have wheelchair access and far more storage space.

“This is going to make a huge difference. We can do far more with the students and I’m really looking forward to using it.”