Methodist Church in Hamilton.

For the Festive Season thieves decided not to steal a stack of Christmas food parcels which had been collected for the needy.

And they also ignored a lap top computer belonging to Minister the Rev. Ronald Vincent.

Rev. Vincent said: "They appear to have been looking only for cash. A small quantity of cash was stolen and there could have been a few non-perishable gifts but mostly nothing was touched.

"They certainly saw everything but just decided to leave it all alone. I think the people who collected the goods for the needy will be pleased to know they have not been stolen.'' However the church, on Church Street, was counting the cost of a door which was broken in the raid.

The gifts of food will be distributed over the next couple of days by volunteers.