A SUPERMARKET trolley loaded with Christmas toys for poor and needy children has been stolen, leaving charity organisers desperate for help.

The gifts were being collected as part of Accrington Lions' annual Christmas Toy Appeal and had been left by customers at the ASDA store, Hyndburn Road. The trolley was placed in the covered entrance to the store and was emptied each day by volunteers from the charity group.

But when organiser Peter Hopwood arrived to collect the latest donations the trolley and its contents had disappeared.

Mr Hopwood said: "It had vanished into thin air. It had been covered in tinsel and signs. I checked outside to see if someone had wheeled it out there, or if they had taken it into the store to do their shopping, but there was no sign of it at all.

"People often do their shopping and buy an extra present and drop it into the trolley. We tend to get quite a lot of things donated. As it was left unattended and outside the store we can't be sure how much, or what, was in there when it was taken, but why anyone would want to do this is beyond me."

The trolley has now been moved inside the store where staff can keep an eye on it.

The Lions have been working with social services, family support units and health visitors to identify children and parents who would benefit from extra help at Christmas. Last year they provided presents for 150 children.

Over the next three weeks they will be collecting toys and games that will then be put on display at a special toy shop on December 16 when chosen families can pick which gifts they would like.

There is also a gift drop off point at Sue's Shoe Repair Shop, Blackburn Road, and churches have also been collecting toys .

Mr Hopwood said: "This is one of the ways we can help people have a bit if festive cheer."