A NEWLY-ESTABLISHED baby care store has been hit by a £4,000 burglary just six weeks after opening.

The Little Legs Bootee'k, in Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland, suffered the break-in on Thursday morning, with hundreds of items taken.

Many items are unique and hard to replace, including prams, clothing and baskets.

The shop's owners, Leanne Wardman and Jackie Adams, keep new stock in a large metal container at the back of the store before it goes on display, but it was targeted by the thieves.

Items taken include white Moses baskets, which need to be ordered specially, and Uno buggies.

Ms Wardman said that the theft had been a big blow but said they would not let it affect the business.

"We've not been open for long, and we're trying to build the business up," she said.

"We have had all the orders delivered, and they have all been pinched.

"But we are going to replace all the orders as we don't want to let our customers down. Our customers will not suffer."

The store is offering a reward for any information which leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

They have also pledged to donate the items to a local children's hospice if they are found, as they could not sell them as new stock.

Anybody with information is asked to contact Bishop Auckland Police on 0845 60 60 365.