A CHARITY shop manager described her dismay at discovering that thieves had stolen a set of collectible ornaments - the latest in a spate of thefts.

Anne Northwood, of Barnardo's, in Middle Street, Consett, said: "It is so upsetting.

"The thieves distracted the volunteer in the shop at the time and made off with three silver Myth Magic Dragons I had brought from home to put on sale.

"I bought them for £200 a few years ago and was offering them for £50 for the charity."

Ms Northwood added: "We have had a numbers of thefts recently, including of clothes. It's not that we charge a lot for them either.

"Some people seem to think that because it costs nothing, it is somehow okay to take. But every penny we make goes to the charity.

"We also have to pay for our rent and overheads."

The dragons were made of heavy silver metal. A tall dragon had two crystals, the other two were curled on the ground and each had one crystal.

Anyone who has any information has been asked to contact the police on (0845) 60 60 365.