Vandals have attacked The Argus Appeal's Christmas Grotto.
Staff arrived at the Gingerbread House in The Lanes, Brighton, today to find a teddy bear and a candlestick were among polystyrene models badly damaged.
The bear had one of its legs ripped off and the candlestick had been crushed underfoot.
The Gingerbread House is opened every Christmas to raise money for The Argus appeal to help needy people across Sussex.
It is decorated with a Hansel and Gretel theme and always attracts a large crowd.
The house is full of model scenes and toys and children can meet Father Christmas.
Helper Terry Burns said: "It is extremely sad damage should be inflicted on something that is trying to raise funds for the needy.
"It is an act of sheer vandalism." A clean-up operation was started and the grotto was open today.
The house is open from 10am to 6pm Saturdays and Sundays and 10.30am to 5.30pm during the week.
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