A CHARITY worker whose lorry - loaded with relief goods for Bosnia - was torched by vandals has pledged: "I will not let these people stop our important work".

Burnley-based Compassion UK volunteer Abdul Qureshi was devastated to discover his articulated lorry and its contents, worth £1,500, had been destroyed in the blaze.

Mr Qureshi, also the head of Lancashire's Council of Mosques, had left the vehicle outside Bangor Street Community Centre in Blackburn after an old clothing collection.

He was due to take the clothes on a mercy-mission, on behalf of the aid and welfare charity, to the troubled country later in the year.

He said: "It is obvious the lorry is used for charitable work so it is very distressing that somebody saw fit to set it on fire.

"What they have done will not deter us from continuing to do our bit for the poor people of Bosnia."

Blackburn firefighters were called to put out the flames at 10.45pm on Saturday and believe the fire was started deliberately. Anyone with information should contact Blackburn Police on 51212.

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