THE festive spirit was distinctly missing as thieves put a dampener on a charity’s carol service when staff arrived at the event to discover they had been broken into back in 2015.

Vital equipment needed to keep the Conquest Centre, at Norton Fitzwarren, tidy for its visitors was stolen in the early hours on a Sunday morning.

The thieves broke into a metal container that was padlocked and stole recently bought maintenance equipment.

Among the items taken were a lawn mower, petrol strimmer and small tools to maintain the site.

Although there is CCTV at the centre, which provides a range of equine activities for adults and children with a wide range of disabilities, the thieves managed to avoid being caught.

Heartbroken staff spoke of their anger at the incident, asking who would steal from a charity.

Teresa Wort, corporate and community fundraiser for Conquest, said people arriving for the carol service were sad to be given the news ahead of the festive period.

“The theft was discovered Sunday morning when our yard manager arrived to care for the horses,” said Teresa.

“The rest of us learnt the news as we arrived for our annual Christmas carol service.

“It was very upsetting for our staff and volunteers. It’s sickening and just utterly deflated us.

“You have to be the lowest of the low to steal from a charity and especially just before Christmas.

“We were very upset on Sunday, but then you see the joy of singing carols and the children who were excited to see Father Christmas and it reminded us why we do what we do.”

The equipment stolen had an estimated value of around £2,600 and police were investigating the incident.

As well as the lawn mower and petrol strimmer, a Bosch Drill, Paslode Nail Gun and Stihl Brush Cutter were stolen.

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said that if anyone was offered the items, or had any information about the incident, they should contact Bridgwater Police Station with details or get in touch anonymously with Crimestoppers.