BIG-HEARTED mechanics in Malton have come to the rescue of charity workers after thugs slashed the tyres on their mini-bus.

The team at Andrew Seagust Ltd, based at York Road Industrial Estate, contacted Ryedale Junior Anglers after reading about the attack in the Gazette & Herald last week, and offered to replace all three affected tyres, plus the fourth, undamaged tyre, so the bus had a safe matching set.

National angling expert John Craft and his partner Kristy Tatttersall, who provide tuition to 10 to 18-year-olds, and also offer a course for disengaged young people, were delighted.

"We appealed for help because we were stuck without the bus, but we didn't want to ask Andrew Seagust Ltd because they have done so much for us and been so generous already," said John.

The company has done work on the minibus in the past for free, and was happy to help out once more.

Finance director Raymond Ward said: "We all have children and we recognise that there are lots of things that can go wrong. It's organisations like the youth angling training which steps in and helps, outside of parents and authority, someone who can do something interesting. John is an authority on angling. Thank goodness there are people like him and Kristy around in this life.

"Now, for once, it's him who requires help, and where would we be if we said we're quite willing to let you help our kids but if you need help, forget it?"

The tyres, which were found to be vandalised last Sunday morning outside John and Kristy's home in Appleton-le-Street, will cost £40 each to replace.

PC Rich Houghton of Malton police said that no arrests had yet been made in connection with the crime.