THIEVES have tired to 'hotwire' a charity minibus that is used to take vulnerable children and young adults to social events.

Akbar Khan, chairman of the Bradford Physically Handicapped and Able Bodied (PHAB) charity, based in the Mappa Building Community Centre, in Coates Lane, said, he was in despair when he discovered the damage, and wanted to thank those who came to their aid.

He said: "It beggars believed that someone has no respect to try and steal a charity minibus that disabled kids rely on to escape for a few hours."

Mr Khan, who is a housing manager with Leeds City Council, said he went home to East Bierley on Thursday evening last week to discover the charity's minibus, which is parked nearby at the school, had been broken into and someone had tired to hotwire the vehicle to start the engine.

He said it is the second time in six months the minibus has been damaged.

He said he was concerned the children, who are taken out in the bus each week, would miss out on an outing while the vehicle was repaired.

"Thanks to Powerstart City Road Garage, in Bradford, who came to our rescue and repaired the bus at short notice and free of charge, the children were able to attend the club's activities as normal.

"Rahail Tariq, MZR Roadsports, kindly organised for the garage to come to our rescue and recently serviced our minibus free of charge.

"There is plenty of good will out there which is nice to see," said Mr Khan.

Mr Khan said it was discouraging to have to deal with this sort of incident, which has been reported to the police but because of a lack of CCTV it would be hard to find those responsible.

"This sort of thing is very disappointing. We work so hard to raise our own funds and this type of thing bleeds us dry. There is no justice in today's world.

"I sometimes wonder why I bother, but I won't let them win, ever.

Last year the former minibus was scrapped because it was beyond use. Crowdfunding for £20,000 to buy a newer model was started but only raised £3,500.

Thanks to Mick Dunbar, of MD Construction, and Chriss Musson, of Specialist Supported Living Ltd, who stepped in and helped raise the difference with business partners, the PHAB club was able to buy a three-year-old 17-seater Ford Transit.

Mr Khan said it meant any money they raised could go straight to the charity's funds to provide activities for the children and young people, rather than towards transport.

In February this year someone smashed some windows of the minibus.

Bradford PHAB is a voluntary organisation which was founded in 1972 and is wholly reliant upon raising all its own funds. It has around 40 regular members and 10 volunteers.

It has a large group of children and young people both with and without disabilities and provides a wide range of activities for them to access. The participants are transported to and from the club each week.

Last year the club organised its regular weekly youth club activities as well as pantomime visits, a visit to Flamingo Land, film making activity, dance and music workshops, swimming, sports and recreation activities and fund raising events including a charity meal, party, bag pack, auctions and fun days.