VANDALISM targeted at the Cornwall Air Ambulance shop in Bodmin has cost the charity more than £1,000 in repairs.

The damage inflicted during separate incidents includes broken windows, barriers and railings, as well as damage to the charity’s deliver vans.

The Bodmin shop opened less than a year ago and is one of six in the county supporting the Cornwall Air Ambulance and its life-saving missions.

While efforts have been made by the charity to deal with the ongoing vandalism, the issue continues to have a costly impact.

Tim Bunting, chief executive of Cornwall Air Ambulance, said: “We are fortunate to have a fantastic group of staff and volunteers who dedicate their time to making the shop a success.

“Our shop in Bodmin is a vital source of fundraising to help keep the helicopter in the skies, saving lives. As a charity funded by the public, we want to make sure that every penny goes towards these lifesaving missions, and not repairing damage.”

Cornwall Air Ambulance plans to open a community space – the HeliHub - within the shop later this year. The space will be available to local groups to use, as well as being the venue for the charity itself to hold talks and events.