A riding school for disadvantaged children has had to turn away heartbroken youngsters after burglars stole £16,000 of tack from its stables.

Jackie Russell, who runs Glebe Field Riding School in Chiddingly, near Hailsham, lost much of her high-quality leather saddles and bridles, plus a generator.

The burglary is one of a string of raids on stables and farmhouses during the past few weeks.

Mrs Russell has only been able to run two makeshift classes and had to cancel classes for 50 youngsters on Saturday following the raid the night before.

None of the stolen items were insured which Mrs Russell said was typical of many riding schools running on a tight budget.

Mrs Russell, 41, said: "On the first day I just felt so determined to keep going. We even did a lesson because so many people lent us saddles and bridles.

"None of it fits but that's irrelevant - it just shows the kindness of people's hearts. I had children and mums in tears.

"I haven't got the money but I'll buy synthetic tack which is far cheaper and we'll slowly build it up again. I won't let them beat me - no way."

Among the haul was a double bridle which Mrs Russell said was "like having jewellery stolen" because of its sentimental value.

Three of her horses wore it when winning competitions and it normally hung at home with rosettes pinned to it but was in the tack room in preparation for a show last Sunday.

Some of the unique maroon saddle cloths with the Glebe Farm logo on them were also stolen. They could help locate the rest of the stolen items if traced.

The school runs several pony days a year for foster children and youngsters with special needs.

East Sussex Social Services also arranges days there for disadvantaged children.

Chiddingly Parish Council chairman Nigel Braden said: "We're concerned and we're doing what we can to urge the authorities to take appropriate action."

Sussex police confirmed there had been a string of similar burglaries in the area.

Sergeant Dave Price said: "This latest spate of tack theft is extremely worrying.

"Often the stables are quite isolated, making them more vulnerable. If anyone is offered any cheap riding tack, please contact the police."

Anyone with any information should call Wealden CID on 0845 60 70 999.