A COMMUNITY effort has seen more than £1,600 raised to help a Dumbarton music studio replace its stolen van.

SKapade Studios, which offers music production training, lost their “pride and joy” – an £11,000 black Ford Transit T260 van – on Tuesday, July 10.

The vehicle was essential for getting their equipment out to their community sessions.

It was snatched between 1.15am and 9.30am on the town’s Silverton Avenue, leaving the award-winning business at a loss as to how they would fulfill future bookings without their lifeline transport.

But kind-hearted members of the public have come to their aid with a cash boost after the SKapade team tentatively put out a crowdfunder online a couple of weeks ago.

Stephen Kirkwood, who founded the independent studio, told the Reporter: “I couldn’t quite believe it.

“The community had been telling us to do it – we didn’t want it to come across the wrong way.

“The guys have been doing their best with cars and stuff to transport the kit.

“In a way it’s lucky at least that it’s happened in the summer holidays.”

With the crowdfunder target set at £2,000, Stephen has been bowled over by the overwhelming support they have received, and will be looking for a replacement van soon to get set for the new school term.

And he’s extended a huge “thank you” to the community.

“We’re massively grateful to the community for their help,” he said.

“I can’t thank everyone enough.

“It’s turned something bad into a good, positive story.”

“We’re trying to get a replacement sorted as soon as possible. We’ve got lots of stuff coming up.”

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/crowd funding/ skapade studios