SCHOOL children were left devastated after their mobile phones were stolen while they were trying to spread a bit of Christmas cheer.

Pupils from Nunnery Wood High School visited the elderly at Chelmsford Court sheltered housing on Thursday, December 7, to sing carols to the residents.

But the day soon turned sour when they discovered their mobile phones, along with cash, had been taken from their bags.

The school's headteacher, Alun Williams, said 30 students with a teacher had visited the home situated in Chelmsford Drive, Ronkswood.

Six of the students later discovered items missing from their school bags.

"It was quite distressing," he said. "The choir go to them every year to sing some songs for and spend the afternoon with them. Both the students and residents love it.

"They had their blazers and bags in a separate room and when they returned some items were missing. But we don't blame Chelmsford Court at all. We understand in public places that security is different. Despite what has happened there are no plans to stop the children's shows."

One of the home's residents, who did not wish to be named, said the theft had been very upsetting for all the residents.

As a result of the incident security has been stepped up and a guard now patrols the site at night.

Chief executive of Worcester Community Housing Stewart Mountfield said staff were devastated and promised to thoroughly investigate the thefts.

A police spokesman also said that they were looking into the theft.

He added: "We would like anyone who is offered a mobile phone for sale to be very suspicious as to its origins and to contact the police if they have any information on it."

Anyone with any information is asked to call Worcester police on 08457 444888 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800555111.