A CHARITY’S minibus was vandalised beyond use just days after its trustee was awarded an MBE.

Age Concern Chalgrove said vandals broke into the compound where the van is kept in the village last weekend.

They said the bonnet was prised open and headlights smashed to get into the engine compartment, in what trustees believe was an attempt to steal the valuable catalytic converter and diesel filter.

The trustees bought the van brand new for £48,000 six years ago with money left to them by a villager in her will.

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They say the insurance payout will not come close to the cost of a new van, and what they need is a “fairy godmother”.

Ken Batley, 88, who lives in the village said the attack took away all the joy he felt at being awarded his MBE.

He has been a trustee of the Age Concern group since 1989 and said: “I was humbled but delighted only days ago to have been given such an honour. This devastating event has taken the joy away.

“It saddens me that people can be so mercenary.”

He said the vandals could have been in no doubt about who the van belonged to as it says “Age Concern Chalgrove” on the side.

Chairman of trustees John Molloy, 73, said: “They have no conscience whatsoever. We cannot afford to replace the minibus so the outlook is very serious.”

When trustees discovered the damage on Monday, their first day back after Christmas, they had less than 24 hours to find alternative transport for their Tuesday lunch meeting.

Luckily they found villagers more than happy to help, but vice-chairwoman Judith Bennett said: “This is no long-term solution. We came back after New Year and were looking forward to reminiscing about our Christmas party and celebrating Ken’s honour.

“Instead we spent Monday desperately trying to get cars ready to get people to the lunch.”

She said in the six years they had kept the van at the compound at John Boyd Motors, they had never had any problems.

She added: “It’s just appalling to think some people’s selfishness and avarice has damaged the way we look after the elderly.”

The charity, founded in the late 1990s, runs a day centre for the older villagers, providing entertainment, companionship and a weekly Tuesday lunch.

It uses the minibus to take its 45 members, mostly over 80, to lunch, on shopping trips, days out and more.

Thames Valley Police said it was investigating.

If you can help contact Pete Hughes on 01865 425431

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