AN ANGRY dad has come to the rescue of youngsters with special difficulties who were left stranded by thieves who stole their nursery minibus.

Dave Warburton, whose three-year-old daughter, Hannah, attends the Stepping Stones development therapy nursery in Haslingden, was so incensed by the news the bus had been taken that he sprung into action.

Dave contacted a vehicle leasing firm who he deals with through his work and they immediately offered to provide a temporary replacement bus for five weeks.

Now, subject to last minute safety checks by Burnley Health Care NHS Trust bosses, the under-fives at the nursery will be able to get out and about again.

"When my wife told me the minibus had been stolen it got my back up to say the least," said Dave, of Holden Wood Road, Helmshore.

"I was incensed because it meant the children would have to miss out on the care and attention they need.

"I got on to Lex Vehicle Leasing and they were absolutely superb; they were so helpful." Hannah, who suffers from cerebral palsy, has been going to the nursery for 18 months.

Parents and staff were heartbroken by the theft of the specially equipped vehicle which was stolen from outside the Rawtenstall Asda store.

Staff nurse Annette Dearden, who called in to the store to buy blank video cassettes used to record the progress of the 20 children who attend the special nursery, came out to find the minibus gone.

The vehicle, H927 UHD, is a white diesel Transit. Written in black on the back are the words: "Donated from the people of Rossendale and the Trust Fund'' with the words Stepping Stones Nursery in green lettering on the back window.

Annette said: "The minibus is used to pick up children from all over Rossendale to bring them to the nursery and then to take them back home."

The police have been informed and anyone who knows of its whereabouts is asked to contact Rawtenstall police on 01706-215242.

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