A COUPLE who decorate their bungalow with Christmas lights have had the charity box stolen - for the second time in two years.

John and Olive Morris, of Kingsway, Mapplewell, have decorated their bungalow for the Christmas for three years to raise money for Barnsley Cancer Relief. On Wednesday at about 6.45pm the box was ripped from the fence and emptied.

Only a fortnight ago Mr Morris was forced to mend the fence after it was broken by thieves as they attempted to steal the box.

In 2005 the box was stolen from the garden and now Mr Morris has told the Chronicle that after this year there will be no lights or decorations in the garden.

He told the Chronicle that they hadn't planned to put the lights up this year but that they had a change of heart when people began asking when they would be on show.

He said “I have done what I can to fasten the box securely but I have had enough now, I'm not doing this again.” A neighbour described the theft as ‘absolutely awful’.

Mr Morris said about £80 has been raised so far this year and that they are keeping the lights up over the festive season. If anyone wishes to make a donation they can either post it through the letter box, or give it to himself and Olive.

He told the Chronicle that they are disappointed the charity will now receive less money.