A MOTHER has been left devastated after thieves broke into her home and stole money raised for a charity which supports her ten-month-old daughter.

Beth Trenerry, 32, was at home with baby Luna, who has Down Syndrome, when the culprits forced their way in through patio doors.

They fled the house, in Consett, with the keys to her husband's blue Audi S3 sports car and a purse containing hundreds of pounds.

Mrs Trenerry, who was upstairs at the time, said: "I heard the Audi being driven off. When I realised what had happened and that they had been in the house I was shaken and could not sleep afterwards.

"My daughter has Down Syndrome and so the money was raised for Together 21, a support group and charity close to my heart. It made me feel angry. It is heart-wrenching.

"Our plan was to hold a fundraising night and the money stolen was from ticket sales. We may now have to cancel the event and we'd hoped to raise as much money as possible."

Police are now hunting for the thieves following the incident on Redmire Drive at about 10.50pm on Thursday.

A Durham Constabulary spokeswoman said: "The victim has been left devastated by this theft and we hope to bring the culprits to justice."

Anyone who saw the vehicle in the area at the time, or has any information, should contact Durham Constabulary on 101.