THIEVES stole a bucket of cash, which had been collected to help to improve the lives of sick children in the North-East.

The money was stolen from outside a house in Middleton St George, near Darlington, which is decorated with Christmas lights every year to raise money for the Butterwick Children's Hospice.

The theft has devastated pensioners Raymond and Sheila Robinson, who have collected £1,500 over the past five years, from passing admirers showing their appreciation for the display.

Mr Robinson, 73, said: "I feel terrible, this money was supposed to go to children who are dying. A lot of the donations had come from local children, some as young as five."

Darlington police are hoping to catch the thieves and want to hear from anyone who knows where the money has gone, or anyone who knows who stole it. It is believed there was between £30 and £50 in the bucket, which has not yet been found.

PC Anne Wraith said: "There is a possibility someone has seen something but is worried about coming forward. We would like to say please come forward, this money was supposed to go to children who are very ill."

The bucket was stolen between 8.15 and 8.30pm on Thursday from outside the couple's home in Thorntree Gardens, Middleton St George, near Darlington.

...but community helps burglar victim

A COMMUNITY has bought presents for a family who had their Christmas gifts stolen.

Burglars broke into Nicola Smith's house in Seventh Street, Horden, County Durham, and stole all the wrapped gifts from under the Christmas tree.

Ms Smith, 34, had spent more than £800 on presents for her children, Martina, 15, Sam, 12, Jordan, ten, and eight-year-old Nicola, which included a DVD player, a hi-fi, a computer and a play pram set.

But in true Christmas spirit, the community where the family lives, has rallied round to make sure that Santa Claus will still visit the family.

Ms Smith's friends at the Horden Victory Club were so outraged by what happened last Wednesday that they raised £200 to help her to buy some new gifts.

Ms Smith said: "I was so down after all the presents were stolen, but the way my friends have come forward and helped me out has made me really happy."