A thief stole cash from under the noses of Mid Sussex charity shop volunteers.

He said he wanted to buy bath foam but once the till was opened, he reached behind the counter and grabbed about £30.

Volunteers are warning other charity shops to be on their guard.

It happened at the NCH Action For Children charity shop in Burgess Hill on Monday.

Janis Kinsey, manager of the shop in Church Walk, said: "You can't get much lower than stealing from a charity shop."

Two female volunteers were working in the shop at the time, one on the till and one at the back.

Mrs Kinsey said: "He waited until there were no customers. As the volunteer was giving him his change, he leant over and pulled the notes out of the till.

"The woman behind the till screamed and her elderly colleague came running out of the back of the shop.

"By the time they got to the front door, the man had run out and was heading towards St John's Church.

"It's such a cruel thing to do. Most people who work in charity shops are pensioners and they give up their time to get out of the house and meet people.

"This kind of thing can cause a huge amount of damage.

"The volunteer who served the man is a very nervous person. This has left her extremely shaken. I won't be able to leave her by herself in the shop."

The thief was described as tall with dark skin, in his 20s or 30s, and was wearing dark clothing.

Anyone who can help should call police on 0845 6070999.