"DISGUSTING" thieves have caused hundreds of pounds of damage to two South Somerset charity shops in overnight raids.

Ilminster's Sue Ryder shop and the St Margaret's Hospice store in Stoke Sub Hamdon were both vitcims of overnight break ins.

The Ilminster charity shop, on East Street, had their door smashed open leaving the lock and splinters across the shop floor.

The break in was discovered by van driver Wendy Harris, who said: "I was the one who raised the alarm.

"I turned up in the van for stock check at about ten past seven. I phoned the police and then the police turned up and then Julie didn't discover it until quarter to nine."

Julie Weisner, the assistant manager of the Sue Ryder shop, said: "They took the £40 float and a small amount of takings from last night.

"We are not aware that they have taken anything else. It is a general mess, there is paperwork everywhere. It looks like they were after cash."

Thieves attempted to break into the St Margaret's Hospice in Stoke Sub Hamdon, but ended up leaving empty-handed.

Donna Avery, the shop manager of the St Margaret's Hospice, said: "They didn't manage to get in, probably because of the old metal bars on the back of the door.

"It is absolutely disgusting and I am speechless."

While the criminals did not take any money or stock, the charity shop has lost a day's trade and will have to pay over £500 for work on the door.