Thousands of nursery school children have been left disappointed after thieves stole a production company's tour truck, forcing organisers to cancel shows.

The Dear Zoo Live on Stage show, based on the popular children's book by Rod Campbell, has been cancelled across the UK after the theft of the £50,000 vehicle in Peterborough on Saturday.

The sell-out play had been due to come to Folkestone's Leas Cliff Hall on Wednesday and Thursday but has been rescheduled to September 18 and 19.

The show's devastated producer, Chris Davis, has reported the theft to police.

He said the truck was fitted with a security tracking device, which has indicated it may now be in the Grantham area in Lincolnshire.

Anyone with information concerning the stolen truck is advised to contact police.