CHILDREN at a Gwent school were left devastated after burglars stole their new television - the day after it was delivered.

Pupils at Milton Infants school, in Newport, had raised more than £1,500 to buy the 32-inch flatscreen TV for their library.

But the day after it was installed, and before they had even had a chance to use it, the television was stolen.

Youngsters at the school held a Christmas bazaar last month, selling things they had made themselves to raise the money for the educational TV.

Headteacher Sue Wiltshire said it would have been used to show films the children made themselves in the library, as well as educational programmes.

She said: "The children are extremely upset, and so are the staff and parents."

Mrs Wilson sent a letter to parents announcing the purchase of the TV on Wednesday, but by Thursday morning it had gone.

She said: "In an area like this, where everyone knows each other, somebody's bound to know something.

"Nothing is easily come by here and we all worked so hard to get that TV. It was a real luxury."

And she had a message for the burglars: "I feel sad that you've done this to small children at Christmas time. You have no morals."

A Gwent police spokeswoman confirmed the theft of the TV from the school, between 8pm and 8.15pm on Wednesday.

Inspector Mick Moyles of Alway Police Station said: "It is disappointing for all concerned when something like this happens, especially around this time of year.

"The school worked hard to raise the money for the television and the disappointment of the local children is evident."

Inspector Moyles urged anyone with information to call 01633 838111 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.