HULL and East Riding Institute for the Blind (Herib) has vowed to fight on after thieves stole lead from its roof for the second time in seven months.

More than 12sqm of the metal was stripped from the charity's building in Beverley Road, Hull.

But general manager Sue Pallister said: “They could take the roof and we would find a way to keep on going to serve the people who we are trying to help.”

More than £2,500 damage was caused after the lead was stripped from around two dormer windows.

Although the building is insured against theft, the initial payment has to be made by the charity from money brought in by fundraisers.

Herib is a local independent charity providing services and support for people with sight loss since 1864 and helps around 2,500 blind and partially-sighted people in Hull and East Riding.

The thieves were spotted at around 3.30am on Wednesday.

A white Transit van was spotted parked outside the premises and neighbours saw a number of people stealing lead roof tiles from the side of the building.

Anyone with any information is asked to call Humberside Police on 0845 6060222.