A transport charity has been left counting the cost after thieves put two of its vehicles out of action.

Staff at Community Transport for the Lewes Area (CTLA) were left distraught after its base at the Hillcrest Centre in Newhaven was targeted. A catalytic converter and exhaust system were stolen, meaning two essential vehicles cannot be used.

The charity provides a vital transport service for elderly and disabled people who do not have their own car and find it difficult to use public transport. It carries out more than 7,000 passenger journeys a month and acts as a lifeline for those who are isolated or living in rural areas.

The charity is still trying to work out the cost of repairs and administration and the loss of income, which is not met by insurance.

However it says it will be a “considerable blow” for the service, which operates in towns and villages including Lewes, Peacehaven, New-haven and Seaford.

Community manager Paula Woolven said: “Anyone who could steal from a vital support charity like CTLA is the lowest of the low.

“It is not just about the financial cost and inconvenience – for many of our clients, the CTLA bus journey is their only contact with the outside world.

Our volunteers and staff are devastated. They know how much our service means to people who may otherwise be confined to their own homes or rely on us for shopping and healthcare.”

The incident has been reported to Sussex Police and anyone with information is asked to call 101.

The charity, which began in 1997, operates a fleet of minibuses and most of its vehicles are wheelchair accessible. All are easily accessible for people with mobility problems.

Anyone wanting to support CTLA with a donation can visit localgiving.com/comm trans. More details about the charity and its work can be found at ctla.org.uk.