A St John Ambulance that took months of fund-raising to buy has been destroyed by vandals.

Criminals broke into the garage where it was stored and set light to the cab of the £43,500 Crusader.

Fortunately the fire self-extinguished before it could take hold at their headquarters in Bohemia Road, Hastings.

However, smoke damaged expensive gas cylinders, first aid kits, a defibrillator, a stretcher, carry chair and other equipment.

Total replacement costs have now been estimated at £50,000. The vehicle is insured but St John Ambulance officials fear a significant shortfall in their payout.

Meanwhile, the ambulance, used by Sussex Ambulance Service as a reserve vehicle during peak times, is off the road.

The arson attack has come at a time when the division is still repaying a loan for the three-year-old ambulance.

It was bought in 2002 after six months of fund-raising. A new Crusader with full on-board life-saving equipment costs about £53,000.

Divisional Superintendent Roger Burton said: "There is insurance but loss adjusters have a habit of not offering the full price so we are anticipating a shortfall of a good few thousand pounds.

"That's what is most depressing because here we had a vehicle that we thought was going to last us the next ten years.

"Now we are having to borrow vehicles from other divisions and go back out and fund-raise for a replacement.

Members have been relying on an ambulance from neighbouring Rye Quad Division to cover first aid events for the last two weekends, including the Hastings Motocross meeting, Mayfield and Crowborough Carnivals and the Green Fair in Alexandra Park, Hastings.

Using neighbouring vehicles to attend events places a strain on equipment and volunteer resources in Sussex.

Members are concerned as major events such as bonfire nights in Hastings, Battle, Rye and Lewes are coming up.

Mr Burton, said: "This is a sad and hard setback for us and for the community.

"To help us continue our life-saving work we ask for financial help from anyone and businesses so we can be up-and-running again serving people in need."

To offer help call St John Ambulance on 01424 421105 or for details of membership for Adults, Cadets or Badgers.