by Hayley Robinson

A company has offered to replace a pre-school’s disability ramps free of charge after they were stolen by metal thieves.

Two-year-old Victoria, whose arms have not fully developed, relies on the equipment to help her get up and down the stairs safely when she attends Hartlip Pre-School, in Hartlip.

But the toddler’s aids were taken after the culprits forced the padlocks of two outside sheds.

The pre-school said replacing the ramps, which cost £100 each, was a priority but, despite being insured, it would have to foot the bill.

Wayne Cotter, director of Medway Mobility in Chatham, contacted the Sittingbourne Messenger offering to supply new ramps at no charge after he read the article about the theft in last week’s paper.

Mr Cotter said: "Sometimes things strike a chord with you. I just thought we can help these people. They’re a small organisation with not a lot of money and they’re people in everyday circumstances trying to do a job.

"I brought it up with the other directors Derek Bryant and Alan Wombell and they were on board."

Mr Cotter visited the pre-school’s premises on Tuesday to take measurements and placed the order the following day.

He hopes to be able to present them to the nursery next week.

Manager Donna Brazier said: "I was nearly in tears when he came here.

"The ramps were going to cost £100 each to replace, it may not sound like a lot of money but it was to us.

"We’ve been overwhelmed by their kindness. You don’t think people nowadays are that kind and it’s all thanks to the Sittingbourne Messenger. We really appreciate it and we can’t thank them enough."