A MEAN Christmas thief has struck at a Huddersfield charity shop.

The Scrooge-like thief sneaked into the British Heart Foundation shop in New Street - and stole the giant Christmas hamper.

Shocked staff could not believe it - the same thing happened last year.

"It's the lowest of the low," said shop manager Michelle Tiplady.

"We cannot believe someone would stoop so low as to steal from a charity shop, especially at this time of year.

"We do get problems with shoplifters stealing bits and pieces, but this is a particularly nasty theft."

The giant hamper, valued at £300, was destined to be the main prize in the shop's Christmas raffle, which was drawn yesterday.

It was packed with goodies including a Christmas cake, mince pies, chocolates, tinned foods and wine.

Michelle said: "We went ahead with the raffle but I have had to apologise to the winner.

"They will not get their hamper for Christmas, but we will be getting a new one out to them as soon as we can.

"It has sickened us, especially after we had the same thing happen to us last year."