Children's charity's van 'full of equipment' stolen

Members of staff arriving at work on Monday noticed the van was gone

A charity's white van full of play equipment was stolen over the weekend.

Bosses at Bath Area Play Project - a charity supporting disadvantaged children through play schemes across North Somerset - said "kids will suffer" as the services on offer will now be limited.

The van was parked outside the Odd Down Community Centre in Bath when it was last sighted at 15.00 BST on Saturday.

Director of the charity, Caroline Haworth, said: "It's so sad because it's the children that we support who are going to miss out."

Ms Haworth says that without the van they are not going to have "access to the same number and types of resources" that they have been able to offer over the last 10 years.

"Because we are a charity it makes it even harder as we can't just replace the van and equipment - we don't have that extra money," Ms Haworth said.

The charity offers holiday play schemes, delivers nurture groups in schools and nurseries, and brings play equipment to disadvantaged areas in and around North Somerset.

"Without our vehicle we can't transport any large-scale equipment - if anyone knows anything or if there is anyone out there with a van that they could loan us in the meantime, we'd be so, so grateful," Ms Haworth added.

Sports equipment, nets, trays for sensory play, hose pipes, craft activities, and stationery were just some of the items that were inside the van when it was taken.