Thieves have stolen hundreds of pounds which could have made the final days of terminally-ill hospice patients more comfortable.

The break-in, at the Norfolk Hospice's charity shop in Snettisham, is the latest in a string of raids on good causes across Norfolk.

The hospice said staff and volunteers were 'deeply distressed' when they found thieves had broken into the premises through the back door.

They stole the day's takings and cash float, totalling a few hundred pounds, along with IT equipment from the shop, on Lynn Road.

Mark Shea, the hospice's commercial director, said: 'This is a despicable act. Our Snettisham shop specialises in furniture which is given to us by our supporters, and it is a very popular and busy retail outlet.

'The theft, which was discovered by the deputy shop manager on arrival at work, has caused huge disruption at the shop, particularly as it means we cannot gift aid any donations.

'On behalf of the charity, I apologise for the inconvenience this break-in caused to our customers, and I promise that we will be back to normal trading as quickly as possible. Our retail shops provide a vital source of income in support of our services.'

The theft is the latest blow to the hospice, which had its shop in Fakenham gutted by the blaze which swept through the town in May.

Mr Shea added: 'They didn't take any stock, all they took was cash and IT stuff. They were very good at locating where the cash was.

'I think there is a bit of a trend in the area for people targeting charity shops.'

Police are investigating. A spokesman said: 'We would advise retailers to be vigilant when opening and closing shops and not to place high value goods outside the store or near the entrance doors.

'We would also urge them to be wary of shoplifters working in teams. While one is distracting staff, others could be stealing stock or opening the till.'