A CHOIR has been left devastated after up to £900 they raised for a hospice was stolen at their church concert.

St Hilda’s Festival Chorus had spent about a year preparing for their Last Night of the Proms concert, which was held at St Hilda’s Church on West Cliff in Whitby on Saturday (November 19).

They were hoping to raise as much money as possible for St Catherine’s Hospice in the town.

Choir chairman David Higgins said there had been a great atmosphere in the church on the night, but the next day those feelings of joy turned to despair when it was discovered someone had stolen the money at the concert.

“The church was three-quarters full. We’d given them all flags to wave and it was great to see so many people in,” said David.

“We’re absolutely devastated. The treasurer is really, really upset. The church was all prepared for this with flags and bunting and everyone had rehearsed so much.

"We’d hoped to make a couple of thousand for the hospice on the night.”

Police are now investigating the incident and are looking for a man who approached the treasurer at the end of the concert for a chat, claiming he was a friend of the vicar – although it later transpired he had only ever spoken to him that evening. She momentarily placed the boxes containing cash on a table which were then knocked to the floor during the conversation.

The man then went under the table to pick up the boxes and it’s believed he took out the notes before replacing the lid and handing the box back.

The man is described as around 6ft tall and in his late 20s or 30s with dark hair and stubble. He was wearing a cream jumper and jeans.

He spoke to some members of the congregation and his behaviour was described as “eccentric”.

Whitby-based Sergeant Melanie Smith said: “This event was about giving something back to a local charity, but unfortunately someone appears to have been more intent on taking something that wasn’t theirs.

“This has, quite understandably, upset those who worked hard to organise this event, and generous members of the community who supported it.

“I’d therefore urge anyone who may be able to identify this man, or has any information that could help us find him, to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 12160209997.

“We’re currently investigating this incident and we will act on any relevant information we receive.”

David said the crime has shaken their trust in people and left them feeling demoralised. It has also left the treasurer targeted by the conman particularly upset.

St Matthew’s Church in Grosmont was also targeted by thieves earlier this month.

The front of a wall-mounted collection box was prized open and a small amount of cash was stolen on Sunday, November 13.

Sgt Smith added: “While we’re unable to confirm whether these incidents are linked, I’d remind churches to empty their collection boxes regularly and find out more about keeping your church safe at www.northyorkshire.police.uk/churchsecurity”