THIEVES brought a volunteer healthy eating project to the brink of ruin after stealing equipment yesterday.

Crooks stole cash and a set of scales worth £450 from a non-profit-making fruit and vegetable stall in Longbenton Methodist Church, Tyneside, in a raid carried out at about 11am.

Community beat officer PC Kevin Lye said: "A year's work has gone today, making this a particularly cruel theft."

Anyone with information about the theft is urged to contact Wallsend crime desk on 0191 214-6555, extension 63333.