Dover Western Heights Preservation Society has received a donation of tools and cash worth more than £6,000 after a break-in at the Drop Redoubt devastated the charity.

Tools worth £3,000 were either stolen or vandalised in the raid last November which left the charity in doubt over whether it would be able to open the fort site to the public this summer.

Along with the cash, donated tools from Brandon Hire Ltd has helped the historic site make sure it will be open to visitors this year after all.

The Dover tool company has donated power tools, lights, fire extinguisher, safety goggles, electrical equipment, health and safety equipment and several other tools that will help the society recover from the break-in.

This was organised by branch manager Graham Taylor and accounts manager Milford Lingard.

They invited society members Chris Townley, Mick Orchard, Jim Nundy and Phil Eyden, who was also joined by MP Charlie Elphicke to hand over the equipment in a presentation at their office at Holmestone Road, Dover. Mr Taylor said: “Although we’re part of a national company we have a strong base here in Dover so when we heard about the burglary we were keen to do what we could to help out.”

“Thanks to everyone’s generosity not only can we safely replace all the missing tools, we can use the extra funds to improve security" - Mr Eyden

Brandon Hire not only supplies tools and equipment to the building trade but also hires to DIY enthusiasts.

Mr Eyden said: “Yet again the public have shown what a brilliant and supportive town we live in. We were delighted when we received a phone call out of the blue from Brandon offering us equipment, and of course we were more than happy to accept.

“Thanks to everyone’s generosity not only can we safely replace all the missing tools, we can use the extra funds to improve security and look to purchase a replica cannon for a gun room to show the public.”

The Western Heights will be opening the Drop Redoubt for tours to the public every third Sunday throughout the summer from April onwards.

Dover and Deal MP Charlie Elphicke said: “It is fantastic to see Brandon Hire step in to help out a Dover charity in need.

“I was disgusted that vandals had done so much damage to where the Western Heights Preservation Society had been working at the Drop Redoubt. They do fantastic work preserving and sharing Dover’s rich history.

“Thank you to all the team at Brandon Hire for stepping up to offer assistance to such a great cause.”