Mindless vandals deflate tyres on foodbank minibus

The incident happened outside the Lighthouse Christian Centre in Brierfield when a volunteer discovered that three tyres had been deflated.

The Burnley Express and Leader Times reported in January on the valuable work church volunteers do in Burnley and Pendle delivering food to the needy.

Pastor the Rev. Phillip Ingram from the church said: "The two volunteers ended up using their own cars to do the job. They've done a fantastic job.

"We do a collection on Tuesday night around Tesco supermarket in Accrington, Haslingden and Rawtenstall. We collect also from Farmfoods and M&S in Burnley during Friday and Sunday.

"Since I have placed this on Facebook, people have been responding offering help and we making donations to help with getting our minibus tyres fixed. I cannot thank them enough for the kindness shown.

"This kind of vandalism is uncalled for and it also prevents us from doing what we can to help the poor and those fallen on hard times in Nelson, Burnley, Padiham and Brierfield.

"We are doing what we can and will not be beaten. Our motivation for doing this work is taken from the Bible in Galatians 6:9-10 and we endeavour to help everyone who has needs of foodbank and our support."

Rev. Ingram also asked for the public's support in these difficult times and urged anyone that could to donate to the foodbank.

He added: "I would like to thank everyone who has supported us financially, and supporting us with foods so far and the work is still ongoing, and we do need more help as we now have over 30 households of families with small children and individuals on the list.

"I want to thank all the volunteers helping us on Tuesday and Wednesday packing up food parcels ready for our main delivery on Wednesday from The Lighthouse Christian Centre in Brierfield.

"I love going out with these food parcels and meeting these people and seeing a smile on their faces. One of them was so desperate for foods and with a newborn baby in Burnley, was in tears after we turned up with a package for them.

"It's touched my heart and soul to continue with what we can. This is only possible with the kindness of the people who help donate and support us with food. Without you, we couldn't do this, and it's not us doing foodbank, we are all in this - you, me, everyone."