MEAN thieves couldn't spoil the spirit of Christmas even though they hit in Leigh.

The town's traders have rallied to the aid of The Friends of Shopmobility after prizes for the charity's festive draw went missing from its headquarters in Spinning Gate shopping centre.

A silver ring, gold earrings and a silver bracelet which had been on display to encourage draw ticket sales went missing from the Shopmobility office which helps provide shopping scooters for those who find it difficult to get around town.

Friends spokesman Kath Liptrot told the Journal: "We have had to remove many of the items from the display and local trader Keith Pennington of Mobens in Leigh Road has loaned us a CCTV system to help us maintain a vigil."

Local businesses have generously donated almost 50 prizes for the draw with first prize of £300 cash, second is a child's scooter and third prize is £100.

At the draw in Shopmobility's Leigh HQ at 1.30pm on December 21 Steve Croft, manager of Exquisite Jewellers in Leigh will announce the winning numbers.

To mark the occasion the Friends will officially present Shopmobility with four scooters bought during the past year. Three will be dedicated to Mary Savin, Garry Kay and Irene Walker who did so much for the charity, and the fourth to Leigh Traders for their continued support.

The Friends are determined to reach their £2,000 goal for the Christmas draw to enable them to buy new equipment for the Shopmobility scheme.