A NEWPORT car firm will donate a sports car to the Argus-backed Sparkle Appeal, which will eventually be auctioned to raise vital funds.

Dave Mellen,45, owner of Caerleon Cars, said he was more than happy to donate the black convertable Mazda MX5 to help support the Serennu Children’s Centre in High Cross.

The car will undergo a complete refurbishment including new interior, spray paint, wheels, engine check and full MOT worth around £2,000, which will be completed for free by local suppliers.

The car will then be used to help promote the charity throughout Gwent and local school children will be invited to submit designs for how they would like to see the car painted.

It will eventually be auctioned off in the late summer with proceeds going to the charity.

The Serennu Centre, which opened its doors last month, will provide therapy and treatment for children and young people who are disable or developmental difficulties.

Run by the Aneurin Bevan Health Board, the integrated centre will include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, paediatrician-run services and Newport council’s children and disabilities team.