Staff at a charity that helps unemployed people find work have been left "devastated" after £1,200 worth of equipment was stolen overnight.

Employees arrived at Aspire's base in Osney Lane this morning to find thieves had cut through a padlock to get access to a storage facility.

Equipment including hedge trimmers, brush cutters and power units was missing.

The equipment was used to run the charity's social enterprises, which sees people gain work experience in grounds maintenance, painting and decorating to help them gain employment.

The money raised is pumped back into the charity to help it support people to find work.

Chief operating officer Ian Adshead said: "We are all devastated that this equipment has been stolen.

"We used this equipment every day for our enterprises to give disadvantaged local people invaluable work experience and are shocked that this has happened when we’re doing all we can to help.

"The knock on effect from this burglary is significant and without this equipment we could lose up to £500 of enterprise income per day."

Aspire won The Oxford Times Charity and Community Award 2016 for its contribution to reducing homelessness and disadvantage and helping people in the county turn their lives around.

Paul Roberts, chief operating officer for employment and partnerships, has appealed for people to help the charity buy replacement equipment

He said: "It would be fantastic if people were able to replace it as soon as possible and get our teams out working again as soon as they can.

"Anybody who saw anything suspicious overnight should get in touch with the police.

"Hopefully the police can find the burglars before they hit somebody else."

Mr Roberts added some of the charity's appointments had been cancelled due to the burglary.

Anyone who wants to donate can contact Mr Roberts directly by calling 01865 204450 or visit aspireoxford.co.uk