THAMES Valley PHAB has appealed to Star readers to give members the best Christmas present they could wish for.

Members of PHAB, the Physically Handicapped and Able-Bodied Club, had their specially-equipped van torched by arsonists in September.

Now the club have to get a new van and have it modified but for that they need around £35,000.

Thames Valley PHAB has received some insurance money for the bus and may be awarded some lottery money which it will have to match.

Kim Rose, appeals co-ordinator for the charity, said: "This means we have to raise about £14,000.

"As the minibus was ten years old we have been offered only a paltry sum from our insurance company.

"Being totally self-funding, we now find ourselves in desperate need of financial assistance and are looking for local companies or individuals to help us raise the money we new for a new minibus."

The bus was used to transport the club members to meetings and social events but it was also used by other charities.

Kim added: "All the other charities will inevitably suffer to some degree as our minibus formed an integral part of the local transport infrastructure among our disabled community."

The charity is looking for as many donations as possible and would be grateful for anything no matter how small.

Any companies or individuals who would like to donate some money for the much needed new bus can pay donations into the Thames Valley PHAB Minibus appeal account at anY HSBC bank, account number 01887467, sort code 402417.

Alternatively, you can send a cheque made payable to the appeal to Kelly Clayton, Bus Appeal, South Bucks Star, Gomm Road, High Wycombe, Bucks HP13 7DW