A Go Fund Me page has raised £500 in just days for repairs to a German organ builders' van damaged by thugs in Maldon.

The specialist craftsmen have been in the town over the past weeks to carry out the installation of the beautiful new organ at St Mary's Church in Church Street.

However, their van was attacked twice – it was badly keyed in one incident close to Hythe Quay with a hateful note left stating: "invaders will be repelled".

Then last Thursday (8 October) the same vehicle was covered in eggs and flour in St Giles Crescent as the men ate their dinner in the nearby Queen Victoria pub in Spital Road.

Colin Baldy, musical director at St Mary's Church, expressed his disgust at the attacks at the time and a friend and colleague, James Eley, decided to set up the fundraising page with an initial target of £500.

Colin told Maldon Nub News: "There was a huge outcry on Facebook about the vandalism.

"We're really pleased at the response and we're now just making sure that the funds raised will cover the repairs."

James Burrell-Cook, landlord of the Queen Victoria, who helped the organ builders after the attack last week, spoke of his delight at the success of the Go Fund Me page.

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James, who donated £50 to the fund on behalf of the pub, said: "I am so pleased at the way this has turned around.

"It means the organ builders won't have to pay from their own pockets for this when they have been working so hard – and most importantly, it leaves them with a much more positive impression of Maldon."

The Go Fund Me page can be found here.