Angry staff and residents at a home for the disabled today condemned cruel thieves who stole their Christmas tree.

Happy again - deputy manager Bev Barnes, centre, and residents at Belamacanda in Little Clacton with the new Christmas tree after the first one was stolen. Picture: TERRY WEEDEN (46701-b)

The 8ft tree was securely fixed outside Belamacanda in The Street, Little Clacton, waiting to be decorated. But before they could dust off the angel and put her on the top, it was taken in a raid under darkness.

Bev Barnes, deputy manager at the home for people with physical disabilities, said that they could not believe what had happened.

The manager has decided that no-one will miss out and has gone and bought another tree from the farm shop in the village which has now been decorated and the lights plugged in.

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Published Tuesday, December 6, 2005

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