HEARTLESS burglars broke into a day centre for elderly and disabled people and stole cash they had raised for charity.

The thieves broke in to the Halcyon Centre on Thornaby and stole £1,600 in cash, £230 of which was for Children in Need.

Users of the day centre had dressed up in spots and took part in other activities to raise the cash.

The rest of the money, which was taken overnight between Monday, November 28 and Tuesday, November 29, included petty cash, food money and the general running of the centre.

Halcyon Centre Manager Rebecca Williams said: "The break-in took place at night when the centre was empty. The staff and centre users were upset to discover a thief had been in the building and we are doing all we can to help the police in their enquiries.

“The money stolen had been under lock and key and some of it, about £230, had been collected for Children in Need.

“We dressed up in spots, raffled a Pudsey Bear and his girlfriend Blush and organised a cake stall and jumble sale every day throughout Children in Need week so everyone could join in."

Anyone with information can contact DC Hayley Miller of Stockton CID on 01642-302226 or call the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111