DISABLED children will miss out on day trips because of mindless vandals who destroyed their specially adapted bus.

The £21,000 bus was used by NCH Cymru to take disabled children and their carers on days out and to take them to and from Blackwood Resource Centre. It was set alight by at around 1am on Sunday at the centre on Lilian Road in the town.

Mike Bray, assistant director of Children's Services at NCH Cymru, said the attack had shocked staff at the centre. But he added: "The bus was parked off-road and a good distance from the centre, so none of the children or members of staff were in any danger from the fire.

" We will continue to provide respite support to communities throughout Caerphilly borough, although there will inevitably be some disruption in our transport service in the short term."

Gwent Police have asked anyone who saw or heard anything to contact Blackwood police on 01633 838111.