“THE privilege I get in seeing so many people having so much fun, that in itself is payment enough.”

That's the words of a businessman who opened his park up to disabled children for free for two days this month.

Owner of Barry Island Pleasure Park Henry Danter said £70,000 worth of wristbands were given away so that pupils at 'special school' Ysgol Y Deri got to have fun and enjoy the rides at Barry Pleasure Park for free on Monday, June 24 and Tuesday, June 25.

Mr Danter said it was a privilege to host the pupilsMr Danter said it was a privilege to host the pupils (Image: Barry Island Pleasure Park)

The B&D were there on a gorgeous day on the island watching coach loads of pupils coming into the park ready to enjoy the delights of rides such as Thunder Dome and the famous Aerospace.

Coach loads of pupils came to the parkCoach loads of pupils came to the park (Image: Newsquest)

“We want to give something back,” said Mr Danter. “We never expected the pleasure park to be so successful and we want to share that success with those that are not as well off as the rest.”

The pupils of Ysgol Y Deri having a wonderful timeThe pupils of Ysgol Y Deri having a wonderful time (Image: Barry Island Pleasure Park)

Gary Downes, the mediator between Ysgol Y Deri (where his husband teaches) and Barry Pleasure Park, explained how the two day event came about.

“When we came out of Covid, Henry did an event for NHS workers for the good they did during the pandemic, and they brought their families here for a free day at the park,” said Mr Downes.

“I spoke to Henry two years ago – this being the third event – and said what do you think about doing something like what you did with the health workers for the pupils of Ysgol Y Deri?

“Henry looked at me incredulously and said, what a fabulous idea.”

They got to ride on the likes of Aerospace for freeThey got to ride on the likes of Aerospace for free (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Danter thanked the Masonic Lodge in Barry, which is based on Board Street next to the Wetherspoons, for their help in getting the event up and running describing their work in the community as “phenomenal”.

Park owner Henry DanterPark owner Henry Danter (Image: Newsquest)

And Mr Danter hinted that it could happen all again next year, saying the children of Ysgol Y Deri will be welcomed back with open arms.

“I hope we will always be in this fortunate position to give something back to the deprived children of Wales,” said Mr Danter. “We would welcome them back next year.”

Got a story in Barry? Email harry.jamshidian@newsquest.co.uk.