Thieves have wrecked a Scout group's summer of fun by stealing a £5,000 trailer.

The trailer was used to carry gear for 200 Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Ventures in Saltdean and Rottingdean.

But the youngsters have now been forced to put their summer activities on hold until the trailer is returned or a new one secured.

The trailer was taken from its parking place outside the 42nd Brighton Scout Group hut in Brighton on Monday last week and has not yet been recovered.

The four-wheel Ifor Williams box trailer was donated to the group by the Lions club two years ago.

It would be attached to the group's minibus for camping trips and fund-raising events.

Without it, the youngsters will not be able to move tents, bikes and equipment for the various trips and activities planned for the summer.

Steve Kirk, a Venture Scout leader, said: "As well as the summer camps and cycle rides coming up, we also used the trailer to raise money for the group at car boot sales.

"The trailer is so valuable to us and now everything planned over the summer has been put on hold.

"At the end of the day, we are a charity. It annoys me people want to steal from charities - especially when there are children involved."

The vehicle was white with Saltdean and Rottingdean Lions written on the side.

It also had a rear rolling shutter and side door, with an H-registration number plate.

Even though the vehicle was parked in the driveway of the Scout hut in Longridge Avenue, Saltdean, it was not covered by insurance as it was not attached to the minibus.

Mr Kirk, from Saltdean, said: "It is hard enough to run organisations like this without people stealing from us."

Anyone with information should contact police or call 01273 305046.