STAFF and families have been left devastated after a break-in at a family-run children's nursery.

Thieves smashed their way into the long-established Mary Kelly's Munchkins in Radcliffe and proceeded to steal the day nursery's minibus, disrupting the morning school drop-off round.

Thugs also raided the nursery office, cut telephone lines and stole the CCTV unit, which will set the early education provider back by thousands of pounds.

During the burglary, money that the nursery has been raising for the BBC Children in Need appeal was also taken.

However, staff have praised parents for their understanding, and said the children and families who use the service are their priority.

Directors took the decision to open the nursery in Blackburn Street as normal on Monday. The nursery, which has been running since 1986, is overseen by the same management team as Mary Kelly's Rascals in Ainsworth Road.

Senior manager Sheri Dalley, who has worked at the nursery for more than 20 years, said: "We are absolutely devastated. We had an attempted break-in last weekend but they didn't manage to gain entry but this weekend they were successful.

"The staff are keeping the best they can for the children.

"We are doing our best to communicate with families despite the damage to our phone lines. The parents have been very understanding.

"It affected our school runs on Monday because they had stolen our van. But it has not affected the day-to-day running of the nursery. We are carrying on as usual."

Nursery staff reported the break-in to police after making the discovery when they arrived for work on Monday morning.

The nursery's newly purchased minibus had been taken, as well as the keys to the second minibus.

Sheri said: "They smashed up the alarm system. They could the telephone wires. It will cost us thousands of pounds to repair the damage."

Police forensics have been and taken evidence.

The nursery is installing new security measures following the break-in, including additional shutters, cameras, and calling on a more visible police presence in the neighbourhood.

New signs have also been put up in the vicinity, warning that the area is being monitored for environmental crime.

Resident Ann McLaughlin, who lives near the nursery, has voiced concern about the number of incidents in the area of late.

The 65-year-old said: "I'm a very light sleeper and think I heard noise at about 2am on Monday morning which may have been connected.

"Every day you are hearing about another stabbing. It is getting closer and closer to home. The recent spate of burglaries has been close to home. It is quite unnerving and very disappointing that this kind of thing is happening.

"People in the community need to be standing together and calling for an increased police presence. We need our MPs to raise the policing situation in Parliament."