A WOMAN whose home has been so beautifully decorated at Christmas time that it has drawn visitors from far and wide has been left distraught after her handbag was stolen. Beverly Cassella lost a mobile phone, cash, her wedding ring, engagement ring and a make-up compact which was given to her by her grandmother before she died.

Over the last five years, Mrs Cassella's home at Minster has become a famous Sheppey attraction. Embellished inside and out with Christmas decorations, and described by many as a 'wonderland,' people have travelled miles to see 310 Minster Road.

There has been no charge to view the house, just a small request that visitors make a donation to either the Kent Air Ambulance or Demelza children's hospice, near Sittingbourne.

Mrs Cassella, 52, said: "I'm angry and I'm upset. I feel sick. I've never had anything like this stolen from me before. It has really invaded my privacy. I'm going to give the decorations to my daughter who lives in Devon so she can put them in her pub. I won't be doing it ever again."

Mrs Cassella believes a visitor who was speaking to her about an angel ornament was trying to distract her while another person took her bag from the back seat of her car which she had forgotten to lock. The car was parked on her driveway.

Mrs Cassella said: "I love Christmas and it's going to be sad looking at the kids when they walk past my house to see nothing next year. It's going to be so hard not to do it. I don't want people to come in to my home because I do not feel I can trust anyone."

Anyone with information that might help the inquiry is asked to contact police on 01795 477055 or Crimestoppers, free and in confidence, on 0800 555111.