A rare vehicle which was used during a ram raid at a Co-op store in Halstead will go back on display this weekend as part of a museum's open day.

Colne Valley Postal Museum, in Head Street, Halstead, will open to the public for the final time this year on Saturday.

The star attraction will be the museum's classic Royal mail maestro van, which was stolen and used by crooks to help lift an ATM from the Co-op in Colchester Road last month.

Fresh from extensive scene-of-crime forensic analysis, the van has been seriously damaged - however the museum are planning a full restoration to return it to its former glory.

Museum curator Steve Knight said: "Now we can see the damage that the thieves have caused to this unique historic vehicle my heart is saddened, but we will not be deterred.

"A full restoration back to concourse condition will begin this autumn.

"We've already received offers of support, help and original spare parts from across the country and Robbie the Red Van will be fully restored again soon.

"I'd like to thank all the people who expressed their outrage at this wanton attack on part of our national heritage and all those who offered us support."

A gang of men wearing all black clothing targeted the Co-op store at around 2.45am on Tuesday, August 7.

Essex Police continue to hunt for the culprits, who repeatedly reversed a light goods into the outside wall of the shop before removing the cash machine.

As part of the museum's open day, 150 different post boxes from across the UK and the world will go on display.

Admission to the museum, which is open between 10am and 4pm on Saturday, is free of charge and children are welcome.

There is partial disabled access, but no disabled-friendly toilets on site.