You couldn't get much meaner than to steal from Santa Claus. But that's exactly what one thief did this month.

He got into the gingerbread grotto organised for The Argus appeal in Brighton Square and stole a day's takings.

Luckily for the appeal and people who need help in Sussex, restaurateur Sue Addis of Donatello replaced the missing £500 from her own pocket.

It's thanks to generous people like her that the grotto was such a resounding success.

Sponsor Legal and General was so pleased with the success of the house, it added £10,000 to the £15,000 already raised. Seeboard worked wonders with the lights.

More than 4,000 children were delighted with the presents they received from Santa during December.

The house is in the former Home of Correction. That's exactly where the thief should be if he is ever caught for this despicable crime.

Early next year, The Argus will reveal exactly how the £25,000 will be spent on a new community project.

Readers can rest assured that every penny will go to the project and nothing has been taken for administrative expenses.

To all our readers who have contributed in any way towards the success of the grotto and the appeal, we say thank you and a Merry Christmas.