Heartless thieves destroyed locks and gates at a farm before making off with at least three wheelbarrows full of pumpkins.

Dan Mackelden Farm, in Sevington, is the leading suppliers of Pumpkins to Asda stores across the country, but the crop was targeted by thieves last night.

The wheelbarrows have now been found undamaged, but the pumpkins are still missing.

Jemma Thomson, president of pumpkin picking, said she was devastated when she discovered a large quantity of the carefully grown vegetables had been stolen.

She said: "We were absolutely gutted when we discovered our container was broken into and some disgusting individuals stole our pumpkins.

"Not only have we taken the care to grow those pumpkins but a percentage of the sales would have been donated to Abbie's Army and the Twinkling Stars project, so ultimately, the thieves have stolen from two children charities.

"We don't really know what time it happened and no one saw anything but they have definitely had a van load of pumpkins and they stole at least three wheelbarrows as well.

"If they had come to see me I would have done them a deal so they could have had them, it's the fact that have just stolen them. It's not like they were desperate for the them day before Halloween.

"All we ask is one thing - that the thieves, whoever they are, make a significant contribution to the two charities.

"Not only compensate for the pumpkins they have stolen, but because they should have a heart."

A post on the farm's Facebook page that has been shared over 100 times reads: "I hope whoever you are that you picked all the rotten pumpkins - rotten pumpkins for rotten people."

Leigh Knight, spokesman for Twinkling Stars Project, said they are also very disappointed.

She said: "We were one of the lucky charities chosen to gain donations from this pumpkin site.

"We are very angry that people could be so cruel as to thieve from children's charities."

The incident has been reported to the police.