A SPECIALLY adapted tractor and trailer, used to take elderly residents of nursing homes, youngsters with disabilities and others with mobility problems around Moors Valley Country Park, has been stolen by heartless thieves.

The theft, which has sent shockwaves through the country park community, has resulted in Wimborne-based charity East Dorset Heritage Trust having to make the heartbreaking decision to cancel all of their planned trips for the entire summer.

While the adapted trailer has been since recovered, albeit heavily vandalised, the tractor cannot be found.

Police have now launched an investigation into the sickening theft, and heritage trust manager Sarah Evans has appealed for information or anyone that can help get the service running again.

Mrs Evans told the Daily Echo: "We are truly devastated. This project which is funded by donations and run by volunteers, makes such a difference to the lives of those who use it.

"We are now left having to disappoint the very people that benefit from this wonderful activity, it is just heartbreaking."

The initiative was started at the park more than 20 years ago, and hundreds of people from all backgrounds have benefited over the years.

"We are very, very proud we've been able to maintain this over the years," said Mrs Evans. "These people we help aren't normally able to get out and enjoy the countryside.

"They cannot get under trees or feel the fresh air on their faces very often.

"So we give them that opportunity through the summer months to be taken to Moors Valley."

Mrs Evans said the visitors, many of whom are institutionalised, usually start off sitting quietly and not talking to one another.

"But in a very short time thy change," she added. "A change comes over them and that is why we keep doing this."

The trust says it would very much like to get the scheme up and running again as soon as possible, and any help would be greatly received.

If you can help contact Sarah on 01202 888992.

Matthew Reeks, Dorset Council’s Community and Open Spaces Manager said: “We were very disappointed to hear of this criminal act. One of the joys of Moors Valley Country Park is the ability to get close to nature and for people with limited mobility, the scheme East Dorset Heritage Trust provides is very much valued.

“We have pledged to provide the Trust with one of our tractors to allow the rides around the park to continue. We very much hope the stolen tractor is recovered, but until then, we’ll do all we can to help.”

Meanwhile, Dorset Police confirmed they have launched an investigation into the incident.

A police spokesman said: "It was reported to us at 11.54am on Thursday, the trailer was subsequently discovered damaged. But the tractor is still missing."

Anyone with information should call Dorset Police on 101, quoting the crime occurrence number 55190093222