A message has gone out loud and clear to thieves who stole gardening equipment from a March charity college for adults with learning disabilities - have a conscience and bring it back.

County councillor Paul Clapp, renowned for not mincing his words, whose two sons attend FACET, said: “I’m disgusted that people can stoop so low to steal from a charity.

“FACET does an amazing job for its students who do valuable work in the community. My boys love the gardening section there.

“I’m disgusted that somebody has done that, so I want to send this message - if you’ve got a conscience bring everything back to my house at 47 Waterlees Road in Wisbech.

“Quietly at night if you like, when it is dark, and we wont say another word.

“These students work hard, FACET staff work hard. It is a charity for God’s sake. Bring their equipment back.”

Paul’s sons David, 29, who has cerebal palsy and Daniel, 23, who has high spectrum autism, attend the Marwick Road college that was the target of a break-in when thieves made away with more than £2,000 worth of horticultural and gardening equipment.

The goods included a wood chipper and a whacker plate.

The petrol whacker plate was being used by students to help build the foundations for Ravenswood Pet Rescue kennels - the work can’t be completed now, said Shelley Ridgeon of Ravenswood.

“They’ve been coming every Tuesday for five weeks and only had a week left to complete and now can’t as the thieves took their tools,” she said.

Kris Harrold, manager, said: “Some of the equipment taken was being used by the students to try and restore run down areas of March and now these projects have had to be put on hold whilst we replace what was taken.

“The students are devastated to find out such a crime has taken place.

“Classes are up and running as usual as the students unite to show they won’t be brought down by such a cruel act.

“FACET offers so much to those which most need the support of the community and something like this has really hit us hard.

“It is so disappointing to think that there are people out there which would steal from a charity which tries to give back to the local area.”

FACET will be installing ultra HD CCTV cameras as soon as possible to prevent such events reoccurring.

Since the news broke Smurfitt Kappa are looking at supporting the college through its community fund.

• To donate to FACET college visit their JustGiving page.

• Can you help FACET? Email kath.sansom@archant.co.uk.