Thieves have left a children's Christmas party in ruins after stealing their goodies.

The raiders broke into the community centre where the toddler group meets and ransacked four rooms, helping themselves to drinks and chocolate that had been bought for the tots.

They left empty wrappers strewn about and poured drinks on the floor at the Low Moor and Oakenshaw Community Centre in Terry Road.

The raid followed three nights of vandalism which left 20 windows smashed at the centre.

Now organisers of the Munch Bunch toddler group, which meets every Wednesday, are desperately appealing for help to make sure the party for 30 young children can still go ahead in six weeks time.

One of the organisers, Helen Rodger, said the break-in was "heartbreaking."

She said: "They have stolen all our selection boxes and drinks which we have been collecting for the Christmas party. The mums have been paying for them each Wednesday and we had spent about £70. There is no money left to go out and buy replacements."

Mrs Rodger appealed to people to come forward if they could help.

She said: "Fortunately, the children's presents haven't been taken, but we are asking people if they could donate any goodies for the children to eat at the party. We have a meeting at the centre on Tuesday and if anyone can come along with help we would be very grateful."

The toddlers group also needs help to renovate the dilapidated building and repair the damage caused by the vandals, estimated at £1,000.

Mrs Rodger said: "It is an old building. We have leaking roofs and the place needs repairing and painting. The smashed windows are boarded up because we cannot afford to replace them."

She believes teenagers are responsible for the attacks on the centre.

"They are children with nothing to do so they just cause trouble. It's heartbreaking. We are on a main road with lots of houses around but nobody ever sees anything."

Anyone who can help the group can contact Helen on (01274) 670774, or fellow organiser Diane Kubicsek on (01274) 676234.