A TEACHER who devotes much of his time to voluntary work in African communities has had his car vandalised days before his latest charity mission.

Chris Thompson had parked the X-registered Rover 75 outside his terrace home in Macclesfield Street, Burslem. But he woke up on Saturday morning to discover vandals had caused hundreds of pounds of damage.

A door mirror was hanging off and the car had been scratched.

The 62-year-old was due to fly out to Ghana today and says the repair money amounts to two weeks' wages. But he is determined to continue with the two-month trip overseas.

Mr Thompson said: "I'm working so I can help communities in Ghana and I will be helping to build a school and clinic in a village there. The money I earn goes towards this work.

"Then this happens to my car. It's just wanton vandalism.

"I now want to move away from Stoke-on-Trent because the vandalism here is getting ridiculous."

Mr Thompson, who has previously had a vehicle stolen, estimates the latest damage could cost as much as £500 to mend.

He has yet to decide whether to try to claim the money from his car insurance.

The committed Christian has been heavily involved in voluntary work overseas for several years.

He works as a supply teacher to help fund his humanitarian activities and has been most recently teaching at St Edward's Junior High, in Leek.