thieves broke into a Swindon betting shop and stole a charity box destined for a pre-school.

As well as donations from customers, the box also contained the proceeds from a raffle held a few days before.

It was put in Wilson Bookmakers in Clive Parade, Pinehurst, by Melanie Moss whose mother works in the bookies.

Mrs Moss lives in South Marston where the village pre-school is trying to raise £10,000 for a new mobile nursery.

She wanted to help because her three-year-old son, Peter, attends the pre-school and she had already collected around £30 in the charity box.

But on Thursday night, two concrete blocks were thrown through the side window causing £200 of damage and the money was stolen.

The thieves also made off with a Prospect Hospice collection box containing around £15.

And they forced open two amusement arcade machines which meant they got away with a total of £250 in cash.

Mrs Moss, 28, who works as a cashier in South Marston, said she was left sickened by the theft.

"My mum did the raffle and all her hard work has been ruined now.

"It is not fair. The nursery has worked so hard to try to reach their target," she said.

"I think it is disgusting that people break into charity boxes."

Anyone who would like to donate to the pre-school's appeal is asked to contact the Evening Advertiser on 01793 528144 ext 262.