A family were “absolutely gutted” after a fraudster blew all their festive savings – until their money was returned in the nick of time.

Darrell Skinns, 36, and wife Kerri, who live with their two children in Shoreham, were shocked to discover the family’s Tesco clubcard details had been stolen.

They learned more than £200 worth of points they had been saving since last Christmas had been spent in and around the Lakeside Shopping Centre in West Thurrock, Essex.

Fortunately, Tesco promised they would receive everything they lost back in time for the Christmas and new Year shop.

Immediately after discovering the theft, Mr Skinns said he called Tesco and was told that a card with their money on it would be sent to them as soon as possible.

However, a week afterwards Mr Skinns claimed Tesco told him the card had not been sent and they would not be able to receive their savings in time for Christmas.

But in a fortunate twist of fate, a week before Christmas he received a call saying his family’s savings would be returned in time and their points would be automatically doubled for the inconvenience.

Mrs Skinns, 39, told The Argus it would have been absolutely “gutting” to have lost the money.

Mr Skinns added: “It boiled down to the fact that we had money stolen from us – we had about £200 on that clubcard to spend on the family this Christmas time.

“They pulled through eventually – the family is feeling very relieved.”

A spokesman for Tesco said: “We are really sorry for any inconvenience this has caused the Skinns family and we’ve worked hard to ensure that this has been resolved in time for Christmas.”