SUPPORTERS of Julia’s House Hospice are heartbroken after thieves stole a £2,000 PA system which would have been used on a fundraising Christmas float, from a barn in Pewsey.

Phillip Stevens, 67, of Paddock View, had only collected the sound system on Thursday, intending to build it into a Christmas sleigh to tour the area, playing carols and bringing Santa to the streets. After locking the system away securely that night, he returned to his barn the following morning to find the speakers missing.

Mr Stevens said: “I am a volunteer for Julia’s House, part of the Pewsey Vale support group, and we were offered a float with Santa’s sleigh, a PA system and lights. I picked it up and because it was forecast to rain that evening it was in the barn by 6.30pm. It was all padlocked and secure, I even have razor wire around the area to try and stop people from getting in. I always walk the dog in the morning and check on the barn and it was then I realised it was gone.”

It is not the first time fundraising efforts for Julia's House by the people in Pewsey have been hit by thieves recently, after the theft of the collection box from opticians S J Hussey in the High Street. The float, which came complete with lights and reindeer, was given to the group by an organisation in Wilton which no longer needed it.

“I was heartbroken, we were given that to raise money for Julia’s House, and it is just disgusting. The police don’t normally attend domestic burglaries but they visited the barn and did a door to door. It is being taken very seriously," Mr Stevens said.

"This incident is beyond unacceptable and the people who have suffered are the hospice team. We are trying to get a value of the equipment stolen but we believe it is up to £2,000 worth."

Staff from the hospice charity, which is working to open a hospice for children with life-limiting illnesses in Devizes, backed by the Gazette and Herald's 200 Appeal, said they were saddened to see the effect the theft has had on the members of the Pewsey Vale support group.

Ian Wadley, Wiltshire fundraising manager, said: “We were all shocked and saddened to hear of this theft. Our fantastic Pewsey Vale Friends’ Group volunteers work so hard to raise funds and profile for Julia’s House. "Everyone was excited by their plan to use the sleigh to bring lots of fun, laughter and festive cheer to local people, while also raising money for the new Julia’s House children’s hospice and respite care service here in Wiltshire.

“Sadly, the theft of this expensive sound system has put those plans in doubt and really upset our dedicated team of volunteers. We would ask anybody who can help by providing a PA system or technical expertise to come forward and ensure the thieves don’t win.”

Mr Stevens is appealing to anyone who may have PA equipment to replace the stolen kit, so the float plans can go ahead.

"If anyone has a PA system they wouldn't mind us having for the float then they can contact me on 01672 564687," he said.

Wiltshire Police are asking for information to help them catch the thieves. PC Karen Haddrell said: “The victim has been left devastated following this burglary. The items stolen were being stored ready to raise money as part of the Christmas sleigh visits over the festive season. These visits would have no doubt brought a lot of joy to local people, while raising money for a worthwhile cause.

“I’d like to appeal to anyone with information on this incident to contact police immediately via 101, or Crimestoppers, immediately.”