Teachers at a special school are making an appeal to the hard-hearted thieves who drove away in both of the minibuses which had been specially adapted for the pupils.

A break-in at Hartshead Moor School near Cleckheaton ended with the raiders driving off with the school's two Variety Club vehicles - and that meant no more trips out for the 102 students.

One of the buses was recovered by police on Friday but was badly damaged, with smashed windows and dented bodywork.

Now the school's head teacher, Ian McDonald, is hoping that anyone who spots the still-missing, distinctive, white Ford minibus will contact the police.

He said: "One of the minibuses was recovered but it's being repaired at the moment and we won't get it back for another week or so.

"We would normally use both of them every day, taking the children to vocational courses at Bradford College, going swimming and for various educational activities off the school site.

"Without them it is difficult and we are having to cancel trips. Even when we get one back up and running things will still be hampered without the other as they are both normally in use."

During the burglary, computer and television equipment were also taken along with boxes of gifts used as a reward system for pupils.

The culprits took the minibuses' keys, unlocked the gate and then were able simply to drive out of the grounds.

The school is due to close in December and the pupils will be transferred to a new one in Dewsbury. It has no spare funds with which to buy another minibus or hire one temporarily while repairs are made to the one already recovered.

Students at the school range in age from eight to 16 and have learning difficulties, physical disabilities and autism.

"It's only through these minibuses that our children can access these opportunities. This is not a good start to our final year," said Mr McDonald.

"I'm making an appeal for help from the public. The minibus has the school's name on the side.

"If anyone has any information about who did this or if they have seen the minibus, would they please come forward."

Anyone with any information is asked to call Dewsbury Police on (01924) 431059.