THE East Lancashire Hospice provides amazing care to those in need.

And people from across the country help raise £1.7million every year to ensure that those with life-threatening and terminal illnesses have somewhere to turn.

Anyone who has visited the facility in Park Lee Road, Blackburn, knows what a brilliant job staff do in creating a positive and caring atmosphere.

And that is why it is truly disgusting to hear that thieves have targeted the site for the third time in a year.

The idiots responsible stole a filtration system, pond pump, pipeworks and fittings from a large pond in a garden designed to provide a nice area for patients.

One of the worst aspects of the crime is that it is thought the equipment was ‘stolen to order’ for a private pond.

It was the second time this year that the pond system has been stolen.

In another incident, lead was taken from the roof.

Police rightly described the latest incident as a despicable and appalling crime.

And it is vital anyone with information comes forward to police and shops those responsible.

They must be brought to justice.