THIEVES have stolen a charity banner from the Asda store in Bocholt Way, Rawtenstall.

The mean thieves cut strings from the heavy PVC eight by two feet banner advertising the Children in Need appeal and stole it.

"We want our banner back" said Asda events co-ordinator Yvette Jackson adding: "We think it is a really mean thing to do."

The banner was hanging on the wall above the trolley bay at the entrance to the store and was taken during Friday night. The message on the banner is "Raising a Smile for the BBC Children In Need at Asda".

The store is raising money for the appeal by selling exclusive Pudsey bear pin badges at £1 each with £300 being raised in the first two days.

Yvette said: "We are also planning to have someone spend the day sitting in a bath of custard and one of the managers swopping jobs and going on the car park as a porter."