HEARTLESS thieves have marred a charity's fundraising venture by stealing cuddly toys destined for a tombola stall.

Burglars struck in the early hours of Tuesday at homes for adults with learning difficulties in Lyster Court, Oakwood. The houses are run by the charity Integrate and the toys were to be used to raise cash at this weekend's Disability Awareness Day event.

The intruders climbed a fence and raided a garden shed.

Dave Riley of Integrate said: "The toys had only been put in the shed on Monday.

"We had stored them in the office but after we labelled them ready for the tombola, we moved them to the shed in the garden.

"Luckily we do have some toys left, so the stall can still go ahead but there will be a lot less prizes."

The thieves also took £800 worth of specially adapted garden furniture and £200 worth of garden tools.

"We have had to cancel a barbecue at the weekend because the ladies now have no furniture," added David. "And we can't even cut the grass because they stole the lawn mower.

"The furniture will stand out a mile if they try to sell it because it has been specially made. I just hope someone has a conscience and reports whoever did this."

Sergeant Derek Jones of Risley Police confirmed that the thefts are being investigated and that officers were following a number of leads.

"I would appeal to anyone with any information to get in touch with us," he added.

If you can help call Risley Police on 01244 612642.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.