VILLAGE party organisers were left with a hangover after thieves stole the trestle tables they had hired.

More than 500 Read residents enjoyed the knees-up and a chilli supper in a big marque on the school playing fields.

But thieves took the wooden tables after they were stacked up to await collection by the contractor who supplied them. The tables were worth £1,050.

Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact them on the Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.

Event co-ordinator Helen Booth declined to say whether the loss was insured.

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