A County Durham charity has been left "saddened" at the "emotional and financial damage" to one of its buildings after a shop window was smashed overnight.
The Angel Trust, based in Bishop Auckland, is appealing for information about the incident, which happened in the late hours of Friday (October 16) or early hours of Saturday (October 17).
The smashed window at The Angel Trust's Emporium in Bishop Auckland (Image: ANGEL TRUST)
It happened at the charity's Emporium, on Durham Chare, which is the main shop for the Angel Trust.
In a statement put online, the charity said: "We were saddened to see that our Angel Trust Emporium window has been smashed overnight, causing considerable emotional and financial damage to our charity."
It added: "This shop is run almost entirely by volunteers, who dedicate their time to helping our local people
"We do so much to help support our local town, from our foodbank to Toy Appeal and everything in between.
"If anyone knows anything about the damage caused, please do message us privately as we are currently investigating the issue."
The smashed window at The Angel Trust's Emporium in Bishop Auckland (Image: ANGEL TRUST)
The Angel Trust has called on people to contact it directly if anyone has any information on the incident.
In 2025, the trust donated more than 18,000 toys and gifts to children and young adults aged 0 to 24.
Donations range from large bundles sent to local hospitals, care settings and schools to one-off gifts for parents who need a helping hand.
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More local families are asking for help, with more than 400 applications received within 24 hours of the 2025 appeal opening.
The charity says the cost-of-living crisis has pushed many families into poverty, leaving thousands choosing between food and Christmas gifts.
For more information about the Toy Appeal or to find out how to help, email marketing@angeltrust.co.uk.