CALLOUS thieves have targeted a Lowestoft charity - leaving them to pick up a bill for hundreds of pounds.The St John Ambulance training centre in Oxford Road was hit earlier this month by thieves, who stole materials from one of Suffolk's major venues.

CALLOUS thieves have targeted a Lowestoft charity - leaving them to pick up a bill for hundreds of pounds.

The St John Ambulance training centre in Oxford Road was hit earlier this month by thieves, who stole materials from one of Suffolk's major venues.

The heartless theft saw a 12 metre length of lead flashing being taken from the roofline late on Tuesday, May 6.

Tony Curd, County Commander for St John Ambulance in Suffolk said: “The result of this theft is that we will have to use hard-earned charitable donations to pay for the necessary repairs.

“This money would otherwise have been used to fund the vital work of our volunteers who provide medical support at many public and sporting events in the Lowestoft area.”

Early estimates of the cost associated with this type of theft suggest the cost of the section of lead flashing was in the region of £500 - and now its hoped that the money can urgently be found to carry out the necessary repairs.

The organisation is keen to hear from anyone who may be willing to help with this requirement.

St John Ambulance in Suffolk run a number of courses, including those in fire marshalling and moving and handling, and the British Safety Council Risk Assessment course.

The charity is currently launching a major fundraising initiative to boost the equipment available for its duties in this region, and they are therefore keen to hear from people willing to assist in that effort.

For more information about the organisation or to help with the replacement of the lead flashing at Lowestoft, please call Suffolk St John Ambulance headquarters on 01473 241500.