A HOLMFIRTH couple have been devastated by the theft of a box of presents given at a birthday party in a Huddersfield bar.

Wendy Edwards, of Rotcher Road, who suffers from a chronic lung condition, held a party at The Verve on Saturday as a surprise for her husband Stephen's 40th birthday.

It was also a "thank you" to all their friends who help out when Wendy is ill.

The function was initially held in the whole of the cafe bar on Byram Street.

But later it was confined to the two upper floors when the ground floor bar was opened to the public.

As the party drew to a close about 2am, a box containing at least 30 presents, cards, a guest book, Wendy's camera and a collection of disposable cameras disappeared from the public bar.

"It was an absolutely fantastic night," said Wendy. "It was better than my wedding day.

"But this has spoiled things. The box contained all our memories of a really happy event. "

Staff believed the box was taken by a guest.

Mother-of two Wendy added: "We were all staying at The George Hotel and I assumed someone had taken the box there, as I had the birthday cake.

"It was only the next day when I asked who had the presents that it came to light that they had gone missing."

Wendy is unable to work because of her health problems and Stephen is a student at Manchester Business School.

They were looking forward to opening the presents with daughter Amy, five, and son Thomas three, last Sunday - Stephen's actual birthday.

"My daughter was really excited about it and I had to explain that the presents had gone missing," said Wendy.

"She summed up the situation really well when she said: `Dad how do you feel about having no presents?'

"He said never mind and she said: `If that was me I would feel very, very sad.' "

Mr Ian Clark, manager of The Verve, said: "The premises were hired by Mrs Edwards for the party.

"The bar manager said the presents were taken by one of their group of friends at the end of the evening."