A school has appealed for donations after thieves stole £1,000 of play equipment.

The toy shed of Emmanuel Christian School, Littlemore, Oxford, was broken into on Wednesday night.

Thirteen toddlers' bicycles were stolen along with sit-on tractors, hockey sticks and other equipment.

Nursery teacher Beryl Hope, who had built up the toy collection over six years thanks to fundraising events, said: "It's absolutely heartbreaking. The children loved the bikes. They've left a real mess.

"I don't think we will claim on the insurance because schools' excesses are so high."

The thieves left toys discarded across the playground. Mrs Hope, who paid for some of the equipment herself, said a mother had seen teenagers riding under-sized bicycles under the eastern by-pass fly-over on Wednesday evening.

The school is appealing for people to donate second-hand bicycles. Call secretary Liz Weller on 01865 395236.