A MINISTER whose church was ransacked by vandals has praised the people of Bolton for their outstanding generosity.
Last week yobs caused damage worth thousands of pounds to Bolton Methodist Mission, based at the Victoria Hall in Knowsley Street, when they trashed musical instruments and dumped three computers into the River Croal.
The possessions were used by the church's youth group, The Vic Crew, who also had expensive disco equipment stolen and a television and CDs smashed.
But now businesses and individuals have come to the rescue and given minister Phil Mason some New Year cheer.
He said: "It was a terrible thing to experience at the best of times, but it made Christmas very sad for us all.
"However, since the report was in the Bolton Evening News, my phone hasn't stopped ringing with heart-warming offers.
"As well as people offering their prayers and support, we've had offers of televisions from people who got new ones for Christmas, musical instruments, second-hand computers and even replacement disco equipment.
"People really seem to appreciate the difference we make to the community in our work with some of society's most vulnerable people.
"The vandalism was a mindless attack, but this fantastic response really says a lot about Bolton.
"I mentioned the good news during the New Year's Day church service, and the congregation was delighted.
"We really want to thank everyone who gave us their support."
Police launched an investigation following the incident and are still searching for the culprits.
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