A MORECAMBE charity has been forced to spend thousands of pounds raised to help save lives on replacing windows smashed by stone-throwing yobs.

The International Aid Trust on Albert Road has been plagued by vandalism since it set up 10 years ago.

But in the past year vandals have gone into overdrive, says spokesman Bill Rushworth.

Far from calling for help, though, Bill (pictured) says he wants to help the brick-throwers.

"We are in the West End of Morecambe, which is a vulnerable area because of the problems with drugs and such, but if anyone wants to come and meet us we will not shout at them we just want it to stop.

"We will try to sort out the person's problem and offer an alternative for their need to destroy.

"I understand that sometimes people try and break in because they have a drug habit but other times it is just mindless and it has cost us a lot of money."

He says it is not just a matter of £200 for boarding up a broken window and £400 to replace the glass but the inconvenience of dragging the manager out.

In total more than £3,000 has been spent on replacing windows after attacks.

The charity has had to dip into it's own funds to replace the windows because making an insurance claim would push the insurance premiums sky-high.

Mr Rushworth adds: "That money would give 50 needy children a two week holiday in one of our recuperative centres, help a deprived family to survive for a year, feed orphans or supply medical equipment for the tsunami appeal."

But he says the charity, which has expanded to five shops in the West End, will not be forced out.

"We love it here. The people are nice and we have support here and so will not move."

Last Saturday, February 5, vandals broke a large glass window which had already been replaced three times.