YOUNGSTERS with learning difficulties have been left stranded by thieves who stole a minibus used to take them to a development therapy nursery at Burnley General Hospital.

The specially-equipped vehicle was used by Haslingden-based Stepping Stones and was bought by public donation.

Parents and staff have been left heartbroken by the theft of the vehicle from outside Rawtenstall's Asda store on Thursday.

Staff nurse Annette Dearden, who called in at the store to buy blank video cassettes used to record the progress of the 20 children who attend the special nursery, said: "When I came out it was gone. I was more than shocked, I couldn't believe it.''

The vehicle, H927UHD, 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 at Burnley and then to take them back home.

"Yesterday we had to ring all the parents asking to pick them up. Two we had to take home in private cars with the children sitting on the knees of staff escorts. Because of the lack of transport, some of the children are now not able to get to the nursery.

"The theft is doubly mean because it hit at the children and at the generous people of Rossendale who provided the money in the first place - The parents''

The vehicle was stolen from the mums and toddlers car park at the front of the store between 1.15 and 1.45pm.

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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