Pupils' cash is stolen in school raid

POLICE are hunting a thief who stole a safe containing charity cash raised by primary pupils.

The safe contained around 1,500 in total, 1,200 of which was sponsorship money youngsters at Mid Calder Primary raised in a mini-marathon.

The youngsters had planned to present the cash to retiring teacher Valerie Beveridge, who is taking part in a 140km horse trek through the Jordanian desert in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Lothian and Borders Police have issued an appeal for information about the break-in at the West Lothian school.

A police spokesman said the safe had been stolen sometime between last Thursday night and Friday morning.

He added: "This is particularly upsetting and disappointing for all those who did such a fantastic job in raising a substantial amount of money.

"We would like to reassure pupils that we are doing all we can to trace whoever is responsible."

Anyone with information should contact the police.