Insurance and reinsurance firm Axis Capital is to compensate youngsters who had their prize exhibits stolen from the Ag Show.

The children will receive $100 vouchers for garden centres, movie tickets and other treats.

Richard Strachan, chief operating officer of Axis, said the company which was a sponsor of the Ag Show, had created special goodie bags for the affected children.

Mr Strachan said: “When I saw the article in The Royal Gazette, I thought it was extremely sad for these kids to have their entries stolen.

“It must have been a sad and upsetting experience, especially against the backdrop of what has been an outstanding Ag Show. It left a bad taste in the mouth.”

Mr Strachan added: “We wanted to do something to turn this sad experience into a positive one for the kids, so we got together and made a goodie bag for those kids who were affected, with ten movie tickets for them and their friends, hats and other items.

“We also wanted to put in $100 gift certificates for garden centres so they can grow something for next year.”

Jeff Sousa, one of the Ag Show organisers, thanked Axis for stepping in to help the children and for their support of the community event.

He said he had heard about six children who had their exhibits stolen, with strawberries, pumpkins and other produce taken.

He added: “I feel it was one person that went through the hall and put them in a cardboard box or something.

“What is heart-wrenching is that we spent hours judging these entries. We were there from 5pm until midnight, and we had the most entries that I have ever seen from young people.”

Mr Strachan said: “This is one of those situations where we can help our community.

“This was an isolated incident, and I don’t want this to damage the reputation of the Ag Show, which was an outstanding event.”