Burglars have targeted a cancer charity shop, making off with money from the safe.

Manager Beverley Watt was horrified when she arrived for work at the Imperial Cancer Research Fund shop in Wallingford on Monday morning and saw the mess.

Intruders had climbed through a window at the rear of the shop, forcing off metal security bars.

The shop's safe has been prised out of the brick wall and cash totalling £603 stolen. A new portable stereo and several easy-listening CDs were also taken.

Mrs Beverley, who locked up on Saturday at 5.45pm and did not return until 8.30am on Monday, said she was "disgusted" that the charity shop had been ransacked in this way.

She said: "My first thought was 'did I leave it in this mess?' I was shocked.

"Luckily they didn't touch the collection box, and they left a cheque that was in the safe - presumably because they couldn't cash it."

She added: "This affects the whole town. Local people bring us items to help us raise money for the fund."

The shop was refurbished in February. Neighbouring shops in Market Place have suffered similar burglaries, with offenders breaking in from the seclusion of the car park area at the rear.

Police are carrying out fingerprint tests, but think the offenders were wearing gloves.

Pc John Cornelius, of Wallingford police, said it was a "despicable" crime and urged any witnesses to contact police on 01235 776000.

The Imperial Cancer Research Fund is considering an insurance claim.