A former emergency services worker is appealing for sponsors to help purchase a new van for his charitable work in the community.

Stephen Burn collects donated food and gifts to distribute to those less fortunate in Watford at Christmas, which he hands out along with a hot meal.

Mr Burn is now extending the enterprise to include a fortnightly food bank and hot meal but needs a new van – which he says would be a “vital tool in the community – to be able to travel around collecting donations".

“With this purchase I would be able to double the work I am currently doing, which will further enrich the local community without having to worry if I will make it to the vital events I run currently,” he said.

“I have a van which has kept me going over the weekend and is due its MOT in May, but am looking to replace the vehicle before then hopefully.”

Mr Burn is hoping to raise £15,000 to pay for the new vehicle outright but can put down a deposit with £4,000 and then pay off the rest in monthly instalments.

He is a regular fundraiser for the NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) and plans to run five marathon-style challenges, covering more than 440 miles, starting in April.

If you would like to donate to Mr Burn’s “New Wheels Needed” campaign, please visit http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/new-wheels-needed/