A HOSPICE minibus damaged by burglars is back on the road thanks to people's generosity.

The £20,000 Renault vehicle is used to take terminally ill patients to and from St Cuthbert's Hospice, in Durham.

Just before Christmas, thieves broke into the garage at the hospice in Merryoaks, smashed the back window of the minibus and stole a first aid kit and wheelchair clamps worth about £250.

News of the raid prompted people to send money to repair the damage and replace the stolen equipment, and the minibus, which was bought in late 2003, is running again.

Michele Woods, of the hospice, said there had been several generous responses.

She said: "One family were so moved by the story that they decided to sacrifice their Christmas lunch in a local restaurant and donate the money saved to St Cuthbert's in order to repair the minibus.

"The family's grandchildren also made a contribution.

"After a difficult search to locate a company prepared to attend to the vehicle on site, the valet was completed free of charge by North-East Valeters. Autoglass also made a special effort to return the vehicle to a roadworthy state.

"The wheelchair clamps, which are an essential piece of equipment, were stolen during the attack, but have been kindly replaced by another local donor.

"The vehicle is now fully restored and is once again in daily use to transport patients to and from the hospice."

The hospice thanked people for their generosity.