Thieves have stolen a collection box from a Christmas grotto raising money to help the needy.

The box was stolen from inside the Gingerbread House, next to Donatello restaurant, in The Lanes, Brighton.

Volunteers running the Gingerbread House, in aid of The Argus Appeal, were shocked someone would stoop so low as to steal the charity donations.

Santa-in-chief Terry Burns said: "I am absolutely disgusted someone would take this box. It was on the counter as people paid to come in and people were putting their bits of change into it to boost the appeal.

"We never thought someone would just take it. We have had to make alternative arrangements."

The right arm of one of the gingerbread characters next to the entrance has also been torn off.

Project co-ordinator Elsa Gillio said: "People should respect something that is being enjoyed by so many young children and their parents.

"Vandals will not stop us and we will continue to provide something the children love."

Giant mock sweets were stolen from the outside of the house shortly after it opened at the beginning of the month.

One was returned and Santa and his staff hope the thief will do the same with the collection box.