SEA cadets in Enfield are appealing for help after their minibus was stolen by callous thieves.

The K-reg van used to transport the cadets from their base in Ponders End to festivals, displays, and parades across the south East was stolen two months ago.

Two men were seen using bolt cutters to break through the gates of the base, in Scotland Green Road North, before driving away the minibus just after 10pm on Friday, April 29.

Secretary Pam Holloway said the troop was “devastated” by the theft of the bus, which was in use every other weekend.

She said: “At the moment, transport is a big problem for us. We have got kids doing Duke of Edinburgh awards, kids doing BTECs, and kids who have gone to school and been in trouble who are getting reports to say their behaviour is improving.

“We can't take them out now unless we rope in all the parents and staff which is not always possible.”

In place of the minibus, a flee of cars are being used to go to events, but the cadets had to pull out of an appearance at the Enfield Pageant motorshow recently because it was too difficult to get the children and equipment to the event.

Fundraising for a new minibus has already begun, but they will have to raise around £6,000 to get a bus which complies with new emission targets being introduced.

The stolen bus was bought two years ago with £1,000 raised by the cadets themselves, and recent fundraising efforts has been towards an essential refurbishments of the ward room and kitchen at the base.