Festive fools have left Dancer, Dasher, Dixon and Prancer heartbroken – by stealing their pal Rudolph.

A life-size wire and tinsel reindeer has been stolen from a Christmas tree plantation in Ardingly Road, Lindfield, near Haywards Heath – and it is the second time in as many years the farm has been targeted.

Last year thieves cut down a giant Christmas tree, leaving Liz Kidger and her family more blue than white at Christmas.

This year the family thought they had escaped the Grinch but their beloved family reindeer, nicknamed Rudolph, was pinched.

It comes just days after The Argus revealed Scrooges had stolen more than 100 Christmas trees from a farm in Laughton, near Lewes, and another un-festive fella had vandalised the tree in The Level, Brighton.

In the previous three years Jesus has been stolen from All Saints Church in Sidley, Bexhill.

Yobs even taunted the church choir during practice saying, “Where’s your baby Jesus?”

So far this year the church’s nativity seems to have escaped unscathed and Jesus, the wise men, Mary and Joseph remain in situ.

Free tree for life Mrs Kidger speaking to The Argus about AWOL Rudolph, said: “It happens every year – or something like this.

“Last year a 14ft decorated Christmas tree was stolen.

“Whether it the same person who took the tree that took the reindeer we don’t know.

“The tree was at the front of the lane, whereas the reindeer was half-way down.

“They just helped themselves.”

She is now offering a free Christmas tree for life for anyone who returns the reindeer or traces its whereabouts.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: “A life-size wire framed and tinsel decorated reindeer model was stolen from a farm, between 11am Monday, December 2, and the following day.

“The owners, who use it to advertise their Christmas tree business, have had it for several years.

“Police would like to hear from anyone who has any information about the theft or has seen the model discarded anywhere locally.

“Please call 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting serial 513 of 5/12.”