THE future of an air cadet group has been thrown into doubt after its minibus was stolen.

Members of the 277 Blackwood Squadron Air Training CORPS relied on their minibus to transport them to events.

But the £10,000 vehicle was stolen a few days ago from a lay-by at the top of Croespenmaen, near Oakdale.

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The theft has now promoted warrant officer, Gareth Evans, to raise his concerns for the group's future.

"This is extremely upsetting as this minibus belongs to the cadets," he said, "It was purchased with funds raised by the cadets themselves over a number of years.

"The minibus is used on a weekly basis to take cadets to and from all the various activities that we as a squadron undertake. Not being able to call upon such an asset will truly have a massive impact on the type and amount of activities we can now attend.

"If we have no minibus we will have to cancel some events and will be limited in what we can offer the children. If we cannot offer a lot, understandably this will hit our membership levels. It is very worrying."

If the stolen vehicle is not retrieved, Mr Evans said the group will aim to fundraise for another.

"The best outcome would be for it be returned," he said.

"That way we can then just get on with doing what we do - and that is to provide the best opportunities for our cadets.

"If however we do not hear anything positive in the next few days then we will look into setting up a Justgiving page, as it took the cadets years to get the funds together to buy this bus.

"It's such a big cost and we simply cannot cover it on our own."

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A spokeswoman from Gwent Police said they are appealing for information, saying: "We received a report of a stolen minibus belonging to the Blackwood RAF Air Cadets. The minibus was stolen from Croespenmaen Industrial Estate, near Crumlin sometime between 5pm Saturday, January 19 and 8.30am on Sunday, January 20.

"Officers are investigating and are appealing for information from anyone who may be able to help with their enquiries. Please call 101 with any information quoting Log 49 22/1/19 or alternatively you can send a direct message to the social media pages."