Thieves stole the van used by a hospice which helps seriously ill residents, prompting an appeal for its whereabouts.

The white Ford Transit Luton Van was stolen from the driveway of the driver, who lives in Cranham, yesterday.

The hospice, which offers free care for people with cancer and other life limiting illnesses, uses the van to pick up donations for its charity shops.

The van, which features the Saint Francis Hospice logo and orange text painted on either side, and has the registration number NU62 KCA, QAS, went missing between 11pm and 2am on January 6.

It was only purchased in October and is worth approximately £16,000.

The stolen van did not have any donations in it at the time.

Pam Court, chief executive at Saint Francis Hospice, said: “We’d be hugely grateful for any information on this theft.

“Our vans are key to us raising the funds we need for hospice care, so this has been a terrible start to the New Year.”

If anyone has any information, please contact Michelle Nicholls at the retail head office on 01708 376269.