A CATSHILL couple who started a charity in memory of their daughter say they are saddened after heartless thieves stole one of their charity boxes.

The theft happened at Bromsgrove District Council's Customer Service Centre, based at the Dolphin Centre in School Drive, at around 4pm on Wednesday, July 30.

The charity box stolen features 50 charity bracelets that can be bought for a minimum donation of £1.

Police were called shortly after the theft, discovering it had been captured on CCTV.

No arrests have yet been made, and enquiries are still ongoing.

The collection box belonged to Libby Mae's Little Angels, which was established by Charlotte and Richard Sharratt in memory of their daughter Libby Mae who died when she was only two weeks old in April 2013.

Wanting to give something back to the hospital that cared for Libby Mae, the Catshill parents asked for donations instead of flowers at her funeral and were overwhelmed by the response.

This led to the Libby Mae’s Little Angels charity being set up, which raises money for neo-natal units in the West Midlands like the one at Birmingham Children’s Hospital where Libby Mae received treatment.

Although only being in existence a short amount of time, the charity has already raised more than £70,000 through fundraising quiz nights, wear pink days, charity football matches and donations.

Charlotte said: "As the founders of Libby Mae’s Little Angels and as Libby Mae’s Mommy and Daddy we are saddened and disgusted with whoever it was that stole the box.

"How can anyone stoop so low as to steal from a charity, let alone one that is helping save babies lives following the devastating loss of our own baby?

"You hear of this happening but we never expected it to happen to us - particularly on council property.

"I'd love to speak to the person who did this and explain what the charity means to us.

"We hope the culprit is reading this and will give us back our box, bracelets and money, they can even do so anonymously on our website."

For more details about upcoming charity events, or anyone who wants to make a donation to the charity, visit libbymaeslittleangels.com.

Anyone with information on the theft is asked to call the police on the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.