VANDALS have desecrated Atherton's Christmas crib and stolen characters from the manger.

The sick thieves smashed in the front of the festive feature then made off with Mary and Joseph and an angel, which has since been recovered.

Now Atherton and Tyldesley Round Table are appealing for the return of the figures which they believe could have been dumped.

For the past three years Tablers have made sure that the people of Atherton have had a Christmas tree and crib, made by the staff and inmates of Hindley Prison, next to Atherton Parish Church.

Destruction

On 12th night, when members went to pack away the contents for next year, they discovered the destruction.

Spokesman Paul Barber said: "This can only be described as mindless vandalism. We found Joseph and Mary had been taken along with an angel while other characters were damaged.

"The theft obviously happened on the evening of January 4. We managed to find the angel at the back of a tree, but Joseph and Mary are still missing. Whoever did it must have thought it hilarious, it is anything but."

The figures are about 18 inches tall and are believed to be made of papier mache.

Paul is appealing to anyone who may find the characters to return them to the church where they are stored.

He said: A great deal of effort is put in to make sure the tree and crib are available each year for the people of Atherton, please don't let this be spoiled. We need your help to make sure that Atherton has a crib in the future."