BITTER bosses at a branch of the St John Ambulance today condemned the vandals who had put their potentially life-saving first aid unit off the road.

Now volunteers face a mammoth fund-raising task to pay for the repairs to their vehicle, which has been badly damaged on two occasions.

On the first occasion, vandals attacked the group's drill hall in Eagle Street, Accrington, and smashed a toughened glass window.

As the group reeled from that incident, the thugs struck again -- smashing two holes into the panel on the side of the first aid unit, which is a common sight at events across East Lancashire.

Bernard Everett, the divisional superintendent for the Accrington Quadrilateral Division, said: "We have spent the winter repairing and cleaning the unit for the various events it is requested for and then this happens.

"It is so mindless.

"We have not yet been able to find a supplier to replace the toughened glass, let alone cost it.

"Now we are in a position where we are losing money because we cannot hire the vehicle out to other divisions who need it for larger events taking place in their areas.

"So before we even begin to cost the damage, we are losing money.

"We cannot go on like this and that would be a big loss to the community."

The mobile first aid unit is a familiar sight at carnivals, festivals and other big events throughout the county and has helped save lives, Mr Everett added.

Now the group is appealing to the public to let them know where they can buy the replacement glass -- which is especially toughened to stop such vandal attacks -- to contact them.

Mr Everett added: "These acts of mindless vandalism are a real kick in the teeth for us because we work so hard providing this service.

"It is putting a massive financial strain on us.

"I hope the public to come to our aid. At the moment, we are just left bitterly thanking the thugs for putting out work at risk."

Anyone who can help the group, can call 01254 398440.