Thieves raided a children's activity centre and stole hundreds of pounds and six computers.

The incident took place two days after a headshave fundraising event where an estimated £500 was raised.

Intruders broke into the Carrwood Children's Centre in Eversley Drive, Holme Wood, and escaped with the cash and six laptops from the office in the early hours of Sunday.

The damage was so extensive the front door was shattered and has had to be replaced.

Centre deputy manager Richard Prendergast, pictured, said: "We were absolutely devastated. We could not believe that somebody could steal from children."

The centre's Out of School holiday-care scheme, for which the fundraiser was organised, has been worst hit.

"We are not going to be able to do half the things we had planned for the children," said Mr Prendergast.

More than 40 children ranging from six months to 15 years old are currently enrolled at the scheme which has been running for the past six years.

It is aimed at helping children build good social and personal skills through trips and other activities such as team games and artwork.

He said the children were very upset, especially about the trips, including one to Flamingoland, which have had to be cancelled.

The centre - open from Monday to Friday between 7.30pm and 6pm - has renewed its appeal for help with trips and other activities.

The centre's management suspect that Friday's fundraising event where Mr Prendergast had his head shaved to raise money for the cash-strapped children's centre might have triggered the incident with the thieves knowing the money had been raised.

Police want anyone with information to ring (01274) 376459.