A playgroup in West Lothian is "devastated" after having its minibus stolen.

The white Ford Transit was reported missing on Tuesday morning from First Steps Playgroup in Livingston after carers set out to begin the morning run.

The charity looks after 22 children with additional support needs from across West Lothian and prepares them for primary education.

It said seven car seats and two buggies were in the vehicle.

Charity coordinator Rosemary Williamson is heartbroken by the theft.

She said: "I went to use the bus this morning and it was gone. It was very professionally done - there was a square cut into the fence and no damage done to anything else."

First Steps Playgroup spent almost two years raising money for the bus, which cost more than £20,000, only to have it stolen four years later.

It was used to collect children in the morning and drive them to different outings with the nursery.

"We aren't in the most accessible place in Livingston," says Rosemary.

"We use the bus to pick up children whose parents can't drive them in the morning.

"If the weather is nice, we go to Armadale Farm, or even Black Ness, because we want the children to enjoy being outside."

A parent of a former First Steps pupil has begun fundraising to help cover the costs of a new van.

Ryan Deacon from Bathgate said: "My wife's disabled son attended and we thought it was absolutely fantastic.

"We are really quite disgusted at what's happened. What makes it worse is that it isn't a government funded organisation, but is actually a charity."

Ryan's GoFundMe page can be found here.

Inspector Adam Smith, based in Livingston, said: "We have been made aware of a white Ford Transit minibus which was stolen from a playgroup in Livingston.

"The vehicle has a distinctive footsteps design on its bodywork and the registration SL62 FJU.

"Anyone who has seen the vehicle or has any information as to its whereabouts are urged to contact Police Scotland on 101."