An incredible £10,000 has been raised in a matter of days after thieves struck at a hospice and made off with its minibuses' catalytic converters.

The incident at ellenor's site in Coldharbour Road, Northfleet, left both the charity's crucial patient transport vehicles out of use.

The specially adapted vehicles are driven by volunteers who collect patients in the community who may be very ill, have mobility problems or might be elderly or frail and bring them to ellenor for day hospice care and other services.

The theft meant those were unable to access the crucial services.

Police were informed following the incident on the evening of Tuesday, January 30, but as yet no arrests have been made.

The vandalism sparked an outpouring of support from across the local community. Hundreds of kind messages and offers of help were received.

Jacquie Hackett director of patient care said: “We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of our local community, and their passionate support to ellenor. We raised an incredible £10,000 and would like to offer our sincerest thanks to everyone in the community who donated to our Just Giving page enabling us to continue our vital care — their generosity will make a real difference.

"Both minibuses are now back on the road. We also would like to take this opportunity to thank ProtectAVan, in Brentwood; Mr Clutch Gravesend, and Northfleet and Windmill Masonic Lodges."