A FAMILY'S Christmas has been ruined by burglars who stole the children's presents - and then left their pet snake dead.

The thieves escaped with every gift that Lisa Mount, 25, had bought and wrapped for her children, seven-year-old Jonathan, Luke, aged four, Michael, three, and two-year-old Bethany.

And in a bid to pinch the family's pet boa constrictor, Tilly, the burglars allowed the snake to escape.

The creature was found dead, presumed frozen to death, in the back yard of the family's home in Diamond Road, Middlesbrough.

Lisa said: "I am just devastated. It was a dirty, horrible, disgusting thing to do.

"The kids are really upset and we have not got a clue as to what to do now."

But help was on hand last night in the shape of the Reptile Trust, in Burnopfield, County Durham.

The trust has offered Lisa a boa constrictor twice Tilly's length free of charge.

"We have a 6ft, very friendly boa constrictor who needs re-homing," said Peter Heathcote, the trust's chief executive.

He added: "The thieves are some very heartless people who need to be found.

"It is atrocious - not only have they destroyed an animal loved by the children but they have stolen all their presents."

A grateful Lisa says the family hope they can now salvage something for Christmas.

"Because the two little ones were premature and spent time in hospital, this is going to be our first main Christmas all together," she said.

The thieves stole Barbie dolls, a robot and computer games.

Lisa said: "I started buying the presents in September.

"I have told the children whatever we get now will just be stocking fillers."

Anyone with information about the burglary should contact Cleveland Police on (01642) 245183.