CHARITY bosses who run the vital transport service in Dawlish hit by a major fire have thanked everyone for their ‘heartfelt messages and concern’.

Dawlish Community Transport has said it is ‘devastated’ after two of its minibuses were destroyed by fire at its base in Barton car park in the early hours of Friday morning. 

They have declared the service, which helps people in Dawlish and the surrounding area with mobility needs, will ‘rise above it and be back in operation very soon’

And they thanked the fire crews involved.

A spokesman said they were ‘amazing and we can’t thank you enough’.

Ian Preston, husband of Dawlish Community Transport manager Sally said: ‘Absolutely devastated for all at Dawlish Community Transport and especially my wife Sally for all the hard work they do.

‘They will be back up and running soon.’

Supporters have been quick to express their good wishes for the charity.

Writing on social media, Tina Newbury said: ‘What a huge loss these buses are to the community of Dawlish. 

‘Everyone I have spoken to is devastated, it’s just awful.’

Others said it was said for all involved and that the buses were a ‘lifeline for many in the town.

MP Anne Marie Morris said she was ‘deeply saddened’ by the devastating fire when she visited in the aftermath of the fire on Friday.

She said: ‘Mercifully no-one was hurt, but a number of their vehicles have been damaged or destroyed. 

‘The charity provides invaluable local community transport for those who cannot otherwise get around. 

‘I know this will be upsetting news for local people who use the service and the volunteers who work so hard to run it. 

‘I visited to offer all the support I can, as well as to share my sincere sympathies with the team and my thanks to everyone working to assist.’

She appealed for anyone with information to contact the police by calling 101.