JAMES McFarlane’s Magic Carpet Appeal has been a massive success - raising 50 per cent more than the original £10,000 target.

Back in January, the Ardrossan school asked if 100 people could raise £100 to fund a magic carpet and they have been blown away by the incredible response which has raised £16,088.09.

The school recently took delivery of the magic carpet, pictured right, which projects interactive images and games onto the floor, enabling children who are unable to operate a standard computer screen/mouse to fully interact with activities .

The excess money will be used to by further equipment for the new addition to the school.

Acting Depute Head Teacher, Lesley Ward, said: “We had a target of £10,000, but the community raised an overwhelming £16,088.09! The money we have left will be used to purchase iPads for use with the magic carpet, and possibly some eye gaze equipment to be used alongside - we are still looking at our options.”

The purchase of the carpet would not have been possible without the generosity of locals.

The school would like to thank Irvine Park Bowling Club, Ardrossan Community Association, Carol Caven, Irvine St Andrew 149 Lodge, St Vincent De Paul, Whitlees Community Centre, Tracy Daly, Kilwinning Burns Club, Liz Brown, Hillary Ironmonger, Wilson Memorial Loyal Orange Lodge No 14, NA Enable, Cunninghame Conclave No 39, Mr & Mrs Fudge, Cumbrae Dramatic Club, John Pursley, Ardrossan Library, Patrick Tomelty, Charlie’s Bar, Mr & Mrs Munn, Mr & Mrs Norwood, Mr & Mrs McFarlane, Carbon Zone Ltd, WS Plumbing Repairs, McEvoy Engineering Ltd, May Smillie, Air Training Corps 1138 Squadron, Ardrossan Highland Games Committee, Miss CA McCaffery, ids+co, Carter Duncan, St Marys Tuesday Club, School Drivers & Escorts, 3rd West Kilbride Brownies, Mr & Mrs Laughlan, Rotary Club of Hunterston, Capall Dorcha, Mr Hair, J Mathieson, 1st Ardrossan Brownies, The Melbourne Cafe, Graham & Sibbald, The Cheery Cup, Mrs Quinn, Mr Perry, St Matthew’s Academy, Harry Soons, Izzy Turner, Mr & Mrs McGowan, Steamers Laundry Services, St Andrews Episcopal Church, Abbotsford Nursing Home, Cubs & Scouts and Bonnet Toon Guild Lodge.