A GROUP of disabled children could be forced to cancel a visit to Father Christmas after vandals targeted a Hampshire charity.

The hooligans scaled a fence surrounding a respite centre run by the Rose Road Association and damaged four of the vehicles in the car park.

A series of weekend visits are now in danger of being cancelled, including an eagerly-anticipated trip to see Santa at Marwell Zoo.

Juno Hollyhock, the charity's chief executive, said there was no guarantee the vehicles could be repaired in time, adding: "It's pretty distressing for everyone here.

"We believe the damage was caused by three people. They probably didn't fully understand the consequences of their actions and the devastating impact the incident would cause.

"We can only hope that when they realise what they've done they will be full of remorse."

The vandals targeted the Bradbury Centre in Aldermoor Road, Southampton, and jumped from one vehicle to another, damaging a minibus, two cars and an outreach vehicle used to transport wheelchair-users.

A female member of staff heard noises outside the children’s bedrooms and raised the alarm.

Mrs Hollyhock said: "With the minibus out of action we're not able to collect disabled children from school, which means parents will need to make other arrangements.

"We'd planned to take the children out to see Father Christmas this weekend but it looks as if they will have to stay indoors.

"We've also got a Saturday Club this weekend and have organised a trip to the Winchester Science Centre. Unless we can find alternative transport the trip will have to be cancelled.

"That would involve letting down children who have very few opportunities to enjoy community activities."

The charity has now decided to install CCTV and is asking Southampton businesses to help it fund the £2,500 scheme. Holmes Builders has already vowed to make a contribution.

Mrs Hollyhock said: "Any further donations towards transport or the cost of vehicle repairs would be gratefully received."

A police spokesman said officers were called to the centre just before midnight on Wednesday.

He added: "On arrival they found the wing mirror of a Renault Kangoo had been removed. Police received a report yesterday morning that another vehicle at the centre, a Ford Transit van, had also sustained damage in the incident."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Hampshire police on 101, quoting crime reference number 44170465248.