KIND donors have replaced a crucial generator which was stolen from a project aiming to help the homeless.

Earlier this week the Gazette reported how the bus which the Colchester Rough Sleeper Group is renovating to turn into a mobile homeless shelter called Chariot 180 was raided by thieves who took a generator being used to provide the electricity needed for the conversion.

But now bosses at Hythe Community Centre have stepped in and handed over a generator they had spare.

Project manager Vic Flores said: “We have had a donation of a wonderful generator.

“They had a generator which was in storage and they no longer needed.

“It did not have much use on it before so it will be perfect for what we need and it is one we can tow in and out of where the bus is stored.

“It will mean it won’t have to be left there overnight and won’t be stolen again.”

Mr Flores said he had been overwhelmed by support from people including more than £500 in donations from people who have pledged to help replace the stolen equipment.

He said: “We are so happy with the support we have received.

“But we now have a problem where we will have to go back to the people who donated to help pay for a generator.

“We will ask them what they want us to do with the money.

“The offer to return it will be there but hopefully they will be kind enough to still donate to us and we can use it for other things.

“We will still need to get it serviced but it won’t cost anywhere near as much.”

Bosses at Hythe Community Centre were going to give the generator to neighbours Hope Church Colchester but the religious group had been unable to take it and agreed to step aside for the rough sleepers group.

Centre boss Debby Eley runs several community halls across the borough and heard about the theft through Colchester Rough Sleepers Group trustees.

She said: “It had been sitting in storage for a couple of years from a youth club we used to run.

“I was concerned it wouldn’t work but it was tested and it is all fine.

“But we are really happy to help such a good cause.”