CALLOUS thieves have stolen cash collected by residents for a children's cancer charity.

The Christmas raiders were today branded "lowest of the low" by furious householders at Tadcaster.

The charity collection jar was tied to a gatepost outside Melvin Pratt's home, in Calcaria Road, where residents "go to town" with festive illuminations.

There are stunning displays outside all 45 houses and there is a special switch-on ceremony when families celebrate with mulled wine as Santa Claus hands out presents to children.

The collection, for Candlelighters, is part of the festive ritual, but the celebrations turned sour when residents heard about the theft.

Mr Pratt, owner of Calcaria Carpets, at Tadcaster, said the culprits must have known the money was for charity.

He said there was a sign at the corner of the street and an illuminated laminated poster outside his front gate saying they were collecting for Candlelighters.

Mr Pratt said: "Normally we keep popping out and emptying the jar every half-hour.

"But on the night the money was stolen we had gone out to do some last-minute shopping.

"When we came back someone had unscrewed the lid and emptied the jar. It's very upsetting.

"I can't believe that someone could sink so low. It's put a real dampener on things.

"We raised £236 last year for Candlelighters and we hoped to hand over a big cheque for £500 next month.

"Residents had been very generous, as usual, and we had already raised £100 at the big Christmas lights switch-on.

"I would appeal to the culprits to show some Christmas goodwill and return the stolen money.

"They can either put it back in the jar or in an envelope and put it through our letter box."

Mr Pratt said he was now using a secure metal letter box, loaned to him by a neighbour, to prevent any more thefts.

He said: "I shouldn't have to do this but nothing is sacred any more."

Updated: 08:32 Monday, December 29, 2003