An off-licence manager foiled a champagne thief with a rugby tackle as Henfield villagers celebrated the spirit of Christmas.

The thief tried to make off with a bottle of champagne from Wine Rack, owned by Threshers, in High Street, Henfield.

But when he was tackled by manager Jacquie Lawrence, the bottle, hidden down his trousers, fell to the floor.

The young offender was chased into the night but escaped.

Henfield Police Community Support Officer James Josling said: “He was a stranger to the area and not recognised but got more than he bargained for.”