A FIRM based in Watford has come to the rescue of the YMCA, after vandals destroyed the organisation's minibuses last summer.

The two minibuses were used to transport children and young adults to and from after-school clubs and various training and residential programmes.

Ruth Ellis, operations director at Watford YMCA, feared these programmes would have to be cancelled as a consequence of the vandalism.

But fuel giant Total UK donated two buses to replace those that were destroyed.

Ms Ellis said: "The minibuses play a fundamental role in what we do, so we are absolutely thrilled with Total's kind donation. There will be no interruption to our programme now.

"We had two minibuses totally destroyed in June. We could not even read the registration numbers on them. We would not have been able to operate without the minibuses. It was absolutely fantastic that Total came forward to help us. It was completely out of the blue. I had been tearing my hair out."

The two 17-seater LDV minibuses, together worth more than £20,000, will be used to transport more than 350 young people living in and around the Watford area every week.

Kate Munro, corporate communications manager at Total UK, said: "Total is committed to being a good citizen, and is always keen to give something back to the local community. We were delighted to be able to support the YMCA in this way and hope the minibuses will be enjoyed by many for years to come."