Christmas has been cancelled for a group of children after thieves stole lead from their nursery building.

Youngsters who go to Pipsqueaks Nursery in North Road, Queenborough, will be missing out on Christmas and Halloween celebrations this year because the party money has had to be used for repairs.

The theft was discovered by staff when it had been raining and they found the water coming through the ceiling

It is thought thieves stole a strip of lead flashing from the roof.

The nursery, which opened in 2003, had to close its baby room for a day for a clean-up to take place, and toys used by the children have been ruined by the water.

The toilet roof has also been damaged.

Because the nursery needed to reopen quickly, it has been forced to stump up the £500 it will cost to repair the roof and replace the toys.

The money had been saved up throughout the year to pay for the Halloween and Christmas parties for the 32 youngsters who go to the nursery.

Owner Lindsay Harris said: “It’s such a shame we have had to cancel the parties.

“Whoever is responsible for stealing the lead should be ashamed – I hope they are happy they have ruined more than 30 children’s Christmas party.

“The older ones who know what’s going on are really disappointed.”

Police are appealing for information about the theft, which happened at the nursery between Thursday, October 15, and 7.30am on Wednesday last week .

Anyone with information about the theft is asked to call Kent Police on 01795 419177 quoting reference CY/17347/09 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.