THIEVES have stolen a minibus from a special needs school less than a year after it was won in a competition.

Staff, pupils and parents at Glenwood School, in Rushbottom Lane, Benfleet, have been left disappointed and angry after their new minibus was stolen from the school grounds overnight between Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

The Ford Transit minibus worth £37,500 was donated to the school through the Ford Britain Trust and provided by a dealership in Basildon after one of its pupils, Asher Freed, 17, won a competition to celebrate the centenary of Ford Motor Company in the UK.

First prize was a new minibus and the keys were handed over to the school last October.

Asher’s mum, Carolyn Freed, 53, from Thundersley, said: “What a despicable thing to do. It’s just terrible news, I don’t think people realise how much school’s like Glenwood rely on their minibuses to get learners out in the community.

“We found out yesterday morning and Asher’s little face just dropped, he was sad and shocked, particularly as he won it for the school.

“It was so well used and was such an asset, they’re really stuck now. It’s tragic really, they’re taking something away from the most vulnerable in our society.”

Judith Salter, headteacher, added: “I find it very hard to think anyone chose to make life more difficult for our young people.

“This will result in lots of disruption and distress for many of them.

“For example we used the bus to get to swimming pools, outdoor activity centres, Writtle College, sports and gym centres.

“The vehicle was fully adapted with a tail lift for wheelchair access so everyone could get out into the community.”

Staff were told by police the minibus was seen on CCTV in Pitsea at about 10.30pm on Wednesday evening.