Thieves have broken into a Mid Sussex church hall and stolen presents collected for a children's Christmas party.

The burglary at St Wilfrid's Church Hall, in St Wilfrid's Way, Haywards Heath, was discovered by distraught church leaders yesterday.

The raiders forced open the doors of the hall and grabbed a cash box and gifts donated by the congregation.

The presents were being kept for a Christmas party for children of the Chichester Diocese Family Support Group.

The Rev Ray Smith is asking the thieves to return the presents. He said: "In the spirit of Christmas it would be nice if they brought back the gifts.

"We don't know exactly what was taken as people donated the gifts and put them in the box without us checking.

"It may not have been a major theft but it's very irritating and uses up people's time."

Mr Smith said the party would still go ahead despite the burglary.

He said: "We will carry on collecting and there are several other churches involved in the Chichester Diocese."

Investigating officer PC Russell Pollard said: "Burglary is an appalling offence in any case but stealing from young children makes it even more sickening.

"If the thieves have any compassion, they will return the presents."

Anyone with information about the break-in is asked to contact PC Pollard on 0845 6070999.