Christmas enthusiasts Ray and Marie Pope have been left shocked after thieves stole a three-foot high Santa Claus from the festive decorations they display in the front garden of their Alton Barnes home every year.

The retired village newsagent and his wife were horrified to discover last Thursday morning that the new Father Christmas, the centrepiece of their display, had been stolen overnight.

The figure had only arrived a few days before after being ordered in the summer by Mrs Pope from specialist Christmas display suppliers.

Mr Pope, whose wife recently came out of hospital after treatment for cancer, said they were both upset when they found the figure had been stolen.

He said: "It cost about £45 but it's not that which is upsetting us. We put on this display every year to bring some cheer to people and we are disappointed that someone could steal part of it."

For the first few nights Mr and Mrs Pope took the precaution of taking the new Father Christmas, which was at the roadside, indoors for safety.

Mr Pope said: "We forgot it one night and it was all right, so we decided to let it stay out there."

He said he believed the theft was planned by someone who had driven past and spotted the Santa.

"People in cars pull up here all the time and we like to think the show gives them a bit of pleasure," said Mr Pope. "It is upsetting when something like this happens."