AN APPEAL has been made to raise money for Barney the minibus, who 'took ill' during a Scout group's camp trip.

The bus, which belongs to the 7th Darlington Sea Scouts, broke down near Boroughbridge while transporting children home from a camp before Christmas.

The accident is just one of many misfortunes to have happened in the last six months after the same bus was damaged vandals in October.

After reattaching its mirror last year following the attack, the Scout group has now launched another appeal to put Barney back on the road.

Assistant Scout leader Anthony Gibson, who is a mechanic by trade, said:“What happened is we were away on camp at the beginning of December and had about 40 kids away with us. We had to hire an extra two buses to help take all the kids there and back.

“We were driving home when the minibus just suddenly lost power. The driver managed to keep it going and get it off the motorway. The AA came out and it transpired that the seal came out and sucked out all the oil causing the engine to seize.

“We’re looking at a lot of repairs. Until we get it stripped down we don’t know the extent of it but worst-case scenario it could cost approximately £4,000.

“It’s not something we were expecting. You don’t really plan for such an expense.”

Repairing Barney also means efforts to fix the group's run-down summer cabin, situated on Raby Estate, will have to be put on hold.

Mr Gibson added: "Barney belongs to the 7th Sea Scouts. We fundraised to buy it about 2 or 3 years ago now but other Scout groups in the town use it as well.

"We're talking about around 1,000 kids in Scout groups across the town– and about half use our minibus.

"It's restricting the whole of Darlington from doing their activities."

The 7th Darlington Sea Scouts have set up a JustGiving page to raise money for Barney.

They would also like to thank Glenwoods, Roman Showers, Taylor Wimpey, Nobia UK, Magnet and Wincanton, and those who donated, for help repairing the cabin.

Those who wish to help Barney can email Mr Gibson at gsl@7thdarlingtonseascouts.org.uk

More information about the JustGiving page can be found at facebook.com/8thDarlingtonScouts/posts/2063492630383081