A charity is 'saddened and disappointed' after the theft of its van which it says will impact its ability to provide end-of-life care.

A Ford Transit Box van belonging to Weldmar Hospicecare was stolen from the Granby Industrial Estate in Weymouth on Sunday, February 11 at 9.15pm.

The van is used by the charity to collect and deliver items of furniture that have been purchased or donated. The charity says this will have a direct impact on the funds it can raise, which will impact the care it can give.

A spokesperson for Weldmar Hospicecare said: "We're really saddened and disappointed that the individuals involved in this crime felt the need to target a local charity. This is at a time when many charities, and especially hospices, are facing increasing financial pressures to deliver much-needed services.

"This theft of the vehicle will impact on our ability to collect and deliver items of furniture that have been purchased or donated by generous members of the public in Weymouth and Portland.

"This will have a direct knock-on effect on the number of funds that we can raise, used to provide specialist end-of-life care for local adults with a life-limiting illness, and much-needed support for their loved ones.

"We would encourage anyone with information to step forward and contact Dorset Police."

Police say an investigation is underway.

A spokesperson for Weymouth and Portland Police said: “On February 11, at 9.15pm, this sign written Ford Transit Box van was stolen from the Granby Industrial Estate in Weymouth.

“Officers from Weymouth Neighbourhood Team are asking members of the public to report any sightings of this vehicle, by contacting Dorset Police online or by calling 101, quoting crime reference number 55240025363.”

Weldmar Hospicecare is a Dorset charity providing specialist end-of-life care for adults with a life-limiting illness and support for their loved ones. All of the care is provided free.

The charity has an Inpatient Unit in Dorchester and offers home-based support throughout the west, south, and north of Dorset.

Weldmar has a dedicated team of nurses, doctors, therapists, social workers and counsellors, but only 20% of its funds are provided by the NHS – the remaining £26,000 per day is raised thanks to the support of the local community.